We are just a week away from what would have been the start  of a very busy week in Grand Blanc, The crowds, the fans, the concert, and of course the golf. The Ally Challenge presented by Mclaren is scheduled to kick off next week, but this time things will look much different than in years past.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the tournament will go on without fans this year, but that won't stop Ally, McLaren, and the PGA from continuing their mission to provide support for the local charities in our area.

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Last week Tournament officials announced the creation of a new charity initiative for the 2020 Ally Challenge presented by McLaren.This year’s tournament will feature an online auction designed for local and national fans to engage with the tournament and give back to causes supported by The Ally Challenge, primarily the United Way of Genesee County. Ally Financial's Jeff Cumberworth told us that their commitment to  supporting the charities in the area was a priority this year even with the changes to the tournament. "Since we started,The Ally Challenge presented by McLaren has donated a total of nearly $2.4 million in support of local charities and we want to continue that support even with the changes to the tournament this year."

The auction, which launched Monday, July 20th, will offer the opportunity to bid on everything from autographed sports items such as a Ally Challenge presented by McLaren pin flag autographed by Jack Nicklaus, to sports packages and more. Bidding will remain open through the final round of the tournament on Sunday, August 2.

Ally Financial has been focused on providing support to the community since their decision along with the PGA to bring professional golf back to the area inn 2018. “The online charity auction, together with the Birdies for Charity presented by Ally program, will help anchor the tournament’s philanthropic initiatives in 2020,” said Andrea Brimmer, chief marketing and public relations officer, Ally. “Giving back is at the center of everything we do at The Ally Challenge, and the tremendous impact of the Coronavirus pandemic in our community and beyond makes that mission more critical now than ever.”

You can view the items up for bid by clicking here. The Golf Channel will broadcast the Ally Challenge presented by McLaren from Warwick Hill Golf & Country club starting Friday, July 31st, through the final round on Sunday, August 2nd.

 

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