Bubba Watson's Heart Is Even Bigger Than His Golf Game

OAK BROOK, IL--(Marketwire - Sep 16, 2011) - PGA Tour player Bubba Watson announced a significant donation of $100,000 to support the Ronald McDonald House® in Pensacola, a program of RMHC of Northwest Florida, during the global organization's second annual RMHC Family Golf Outing on Monday, September 12, 2011.

The golf event raised $1.4 million in an effort to support the considerable growth projected to provide for the needs of families. By 2015, the Charity expects to open approximately 27 new Ronald McDonald Houses, 30 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms and 21 Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles. Recognizing that these RMHC programs are vital to ensure families find the stability and resources to keep their child healthy and happy, Bubba gave his time and talent during the golf outing event.

Bubba is ranked in the top 15 World Official Golf Rankings and is known for his ability to hit the ball far, ranking second in driving distance at 314 yards. But perhaps what's most impressive about him is his ability and desire to give back to those in need. Bubba's relationship with RMHC began a few years ago when he began championing fundraising events for the RMHC Chapter in Pensacola where he donated a playground for families to enjoy at the House. "It was clear that he valued family and giving back more than any win on the course. It's through the generosity of people like Bubba who help show the families that are cared for by us that they are not alone in their fight for their critically ill child. One hundred thousand dollars will go a long way to ensure the families whose children are getting treated in Pensacola are supported and cared for during the most trying of times," said Marty Coyne, president and CEO, RMHC.

For attendees, the event was more than an occasion to relish in their performance on the golf course; it was an opportunity to help RMHC provide family-centered care to families in need. And for the Charity, this event was a testament of the tremendous power donors and supporters can have when working together. Donors are an integral part of the RMHC mission. They allow the Charity to provide hope, comfort, caring and a tangible service to families when they need it most. In the end, the real winners of this golf tournament were the 12,500 families RMHC and its local Chapters serve every day around the globe.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Through its global network of local Chapters in 54 countries and regions, its three core programs, the Ronald McDonald House®, Ronald McDonald Family Room® and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, and millions of dollars in grants to support children's programs worldwide, RMHC provides stability and resources to families so they can get and keep their children healthy and happy. All RMHC-supported programs provide a bridge to quality health care and give children and families the time they need together to heal faster and cope better. For more information, www.rmhc.org or follow us on Twitter (@RMHC) and Facebook (Facebook.com/RMHC Global).

About Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida (RMHC-NWFL) has been a lifeline of hope for families for the past 26 years. The mission of RMHC-NWFL is to be the best available Home-Away-From-Home and source of respite and resources for children and families of children suffering a medical crisis. Since opening its doors in 1984, RMHC-NWFL has provided services for over 20,000 family members. Families served are primarily from the Panhandle of Florida. The House is locally owned and operated by generous community volunteers and donors; RMHC-NWFL is a local charity that is volunteer-driven and community funded. For more information, visit www.rmhc-nwfl.org.

Ronald McDonald House Charities, RMHC, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile are all registered trademarks of McDonald's Corporation or its affiliates and are used with permission.