LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Aug. 7, 2025 – First Tee-Central Arkansas has received a $100,000 donation from the Arkansas Champions Trust on behalf of the Simmons Bank Championship, to support two strategic initiatives aimed at expanding access to its character-building programs for youth in underserved communities. This donation is made possible by the Simmons Bank Championship partners: The Simmons First Foundation, MK Distributors, Pleasant Valley Country Club and ProLinks Sports.
The gift will be used to purchase a new passenger van and support the hiring of a full-time Outreach Director. Together, these investments will eliminate critical barriers to participation and significantly expand the organization’s footprint. 
“We are incredibly grateful for this support. Transportation and outreach are two of the biggest challenges we face in reaching more kids,” said Monica Blake, executive director of First Tee-Central Arkansas. “This donation allows us to meet those challenges head-on and extend our programs to hundreds of youth who need safe access and strong mentorship.”
The donation is the latest example of Simmons Bank Championship’s commitment to making a meaningful community impact beyond the course. As host of the annual PGA Tour Champions event, Simmons Bank Championship continues to use the game of golf as a platform to support youth development and nonprofit organizations through the region.
“The funds raised through the Simmons Bank Championship reflect not only the dedication of our sponsors, players and community partners, but also allow us to take tournament proceeds and reinvest them into our communities,” said Eddie Drilling, charitable giving chair of Arkansas Champions Trust.
“This donation allows us to meet those challenges head-on and extend our programs to hundreds of youth who need safe access and strong mentorship”
The Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens will be held at Pleasant Valley Country Club (PVCC) in Little Rock, Arkansas with activities throughout the week of Oct. 20-26. Tournament play will take place Friday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Oct. 26. The tournament will serve as the second round of the PGA TOUR Champions’ annual Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs. The field will consist of the top 54 players in the standings competing for $2.3 million in prize money and a chance to earn their spot among the top 36 in the final event of the season.
For more information about the Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens, to purchase tickets and to stay up to date on tournament news, visit the tournament website, simmonsbankchampionship.com.
Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens
The Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens, a PGA TOUR Champions Charles Schwab Cup Playoff event contested in Little Rock, Arkansas, will be played at Pleasant Valley Country Club the week of October 20-26, featuring a 54-player field and a $2.3 million purse. The tournament will focus on charitable giving and making a lasting impression on the State of Arkansas. For more information about the tournament, visit the tournament website (simmonsbankchampionship.com) or follow the Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens on Facebook (@SimmonsBankChampionship), Instagram (@sbgolfchamp), X [formerly Twitter] (@sbgolfchamp), TikTok (@sbgolfchamp), LinkedIn (@SimmonsBankChampionship) and YouTube (@SimmonsBankChampionship).