This year, the Dana Open celebrates a remarkable milestone: its 40th anniversary. Since its inception in 1984, the tournament has not only become a premier event on the LPGA tour but has also played a pivotal role in supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Northwest Ohio. This enduring partnership has made dreams come true for countless children and families in the region.
The Dana Open began as a dream in the heart of Toledo native, Judd Silverman. In 1982, while working as a PGA caddy, Silverman envisioned bringing a ladies’ professional golf tournament to Toledo. “I pitched the idea to John Laupheimer, the LPGA commissioner at the time, and he approved it,” Silverman recalls. “Returning home, I secured the tournament’s first 12 founding sponsors who covered the purse, and Jamie Farr agreed to lend his name to the event, bringing along his celebrity friends.”
The inaugural tournament took place at Glengarry Country Club (now Stone Oak Country Club) with a modest purse of $175,000 and 100 golfers. The Toledo McDonald’s franchises underwrote the operating expenses with the condition that part of the proceeds would benefit RMHC, marking the beginning of a significant philanthropic journey.
Over the years, the Dana Open has grown exponentially. The purse has increased to $1,750,000, and the event now attracts over 30,000 spectators. The move to Highland Meadows Golf Club in 1988 helped accommodate this growth. The tournament has become one of the largest sporting events in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, attracting fans of all ages to watch the world’s greatest women golfers compete.
Chad Bringman, Executive Director of RMHC Northwest Ohio, highlights the tournament’s impact. “The Dana Open has raised over $1.9 million for RMHC, providing crucial support for families and children in need. This tournament has been a cornerstone of our funding, enabling us to offer comprehensive support to families facing medical crises.”
The tournament’s significance extends beyond financial contributions. “One year, 23 South Korean golfers volunteered at the House, creating a heartwarming moment that highlighted the global reach of our mission,” Bringman shares.
Judd Silverman reflects on the community’s role in the tournament’s success. “Over the past 40 years, we’ve welcomed between 800,000 to 1,000,000 attendees. The generosity of the Northwest Ohio business community and thousands of volunteers is a testament to the area’s commitment to philanthropy,” Silverman states. “Seeing the joy and gratitude from the recipients at our annual charity luncheon is the highlight of the year for me.”
The Jamie Farr Scholarship Fund, another significant achievement of the tournament, has awarded $1.2 million to 123 Toledo area high school graduates. “This scholarship fund is a wonderful way to honor Jamie and his contributions,” Silverman adds.
Venice Michel, widow of Don Michel and founder of RMHC Northwest Ohio, expresses deep pride in the tournament’s achievements. “It’s hard to believe how much the tournament has grown and how many charities it has supported,” Venice remarks. “Don would be incredibly proud of the impact we’ve had on our city and its families.”
Wendy Bejaige, Director of Engagement for RMHC Northwest Ohio, underscores the importance of community involvement. “Volunteering at the tournament is crucial to our mission. We encourage the community to join us at Hole 10 to experience world-class golf while supporting five amazing local children’s charities,” Wendy says.
As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Dana Open, we honor its rich history and the incredible individuals who have made it possible. From the early visionaries like Judd Silverman and Jamie Farr to the countless volunteers and supporters, the tournament stands as a beacon of hope, unity, and generosity in Northwest Ohio. If you are interested in volunteering with RMHC Northwest Ohio at the Dana Open, please visit danaopen.com/volunteer and sign up to be a hole marshal on hole 10.