Per a press release from the company, Lagardère Sports has been named the management consultant firm for the CareerBuilder Challenge by Desert Classic Charities, the non-profit organization that operates the tournament. Held in La Quinta, Calif., the CareerBuilder Challenge is traditionally the first PGA Tour event on the U.S. mainland held every January.
As part of the relationship, the Golf Events Division of Lagardère Sports led by Jeff Sanders will consult and advise Desert Classic Charities on all aspects of the tournament. In addition, Steve Loy, President of the Golf Division and Sanders, Executive Vice President of Golf Events for Lagardère Sports, will serve on Desert Classic Charities Board of Directors.
“Lagardère Sports has a tremendous presence in golf and has unparalleled knowledge of events, athletes and sponsors in the game” said John Foster, President, Desert Classic Charities. “They have a great track record of creating innovative golf events that deliver an enhanced experience for fans, players and sponsors, and we look forward to working with them to take the CareerBuilder Challenge to even greater heights.”
“We’re honored to partner with Desert Classic Charities and add to its rich legacy of supporting so many worthy charities in the Coachella Valley,” said Sanders. “We’re eager to do that in new and exciting ways.”
Lagardère Sports’ Golf Events division has produced more than 200 golf events and generated more than $100 million for charity since 1989. Those events include one of the original events on the now Web.com TOUR, the Albertson’s Boise Open played annually at Hillcrest CC since 1990, the “25 Card” WinCo Foods Portland Open Web.Com TOUR event at Pumpkin Ridge GC, the 1996 U.S. Men’s Amateur and the 1997 U.S. Women’s Open. In October, Sanders and the team will produce the 2017 PGA Tour season-opener, the Safeway Open at Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, CA.
About Lagardère Sports
Lagardère Sports is a leading sport marketing agency, with a global network of local experts dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that meet our clients’ needs. We believe sport inspires emotions and passion that are essential to enrich people’s lives and generate powerful collective experiences. At Lagardère Sports, we dedicate our expertise and passion to provide our clients with privileged access to the infinite opportunities of sports. Lagardère Sports is part of Lagardère Sports and Entertainment, a company with more than 1,600 employees worldwide and 50 years of experience.
About Desert Classic Charities
Since its inception, Desert Classic Charities, the charitable entity that organizes the PGA TOUR event in the Coachella Valley, has contributed more than $56 million to Coachella Valley charitable organizations. The scope of giving is broad and includes support for structured and mentoring programs for children, social services, and food and safe shelter for the less fortunate. Desert Classic Charities is dedicated to continuing its mission to serve human needs in the Coachella Valley and beyond by generating funds and opportunities every year through the event.