Four years of Folds of Honor Friday at the JDC

SILVIS, Ill (KWQC) -The John Deere Classic and Folds of Honor have hosted Folds of Honor Friday at the tournament since 2023, an annual event aimed at raising scholarship funds for military and first responder families.

Folds of Honor awards scholarships to spouses and children of fallen or disabled American military service members and first responders.

73,000 scholarships awarded since founding

Sara Bush, senior director of golf at Folds of Honor, said the organization has awarded 73,000 scholarships since its inception, including 11,000 in the most recent academic year.

“We were founded in 2007 by Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney, who is actually the first ever F-15 fighter pilot and PGA professional,” Bush said. “Since inception, we have been able to award 73,000 scholarships to deserving recipients across the country, 11,000 just this past academic year.”

Eighteen of those scholarships are awarded annually to recipients in the Quad Cities area. Bush said the organization is targeting an 11% year-over-year increase in scholarships and credited tournaments like the John Deere Classic for making that growth possible.

Community and tour support

Bush said the response from the Quad Cities community has been significant.

“Being a part of Folds of Honor is so special,” Bush said. “Being able to come to tournaments like the John Deere Classic, be a part of the tournament community and know there’s so many people willing to say, hey, I see your sacrifice and I’m here to assist you.”

Several PGA Tour players have also aligned with the organization. Bush said Zach Johnson is a longtime supporter, and Ben Silverman carries the Folds of Honor logo. She said dozens of players on tour have chosen to get involved with the organization.