Changes made to charity event, main goal still the same

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The Mad Anthonys once again kicked off its annual charity classic to help benefit Children's Hope House.

Sycamore Hills Golf Club once again was host of the tournament, but there were new changes for this year's event. The event becomes a two day tournament instead of one, and about a dozen LPGA golfers took to the course.

Sponsors put together a $300,000 purse to bring the players here for the charity event. Fans say this is a great way to raise money for a worthy organization.

"It's so great that we have them for all those parents with the little ones that are going through such a hard time, that they have some place to and feel like a family unit," said Andrea Hatfield, who was in attendance to watch the game.

This is Hope House's biggest donation drive throughout the year. Last year, they raised $115,000.

Hope House is for families with sick children in Fort Wayne hospitals with no place to stay. On average, It cost $90-per-night per family to stay while their children are hospitalized.

This was also a chance to show off Fort Wayne.

"When you get good members of the LPGA to give up their time, you get good sponsors to put up the prize money for them to come, showcase Fort Wayne a little bit," said James O'Connor, another spectator, "We have great weather, and it happens to be Father's Day, it's just a lot a good things that happened at the same time."

Organizers said hosting members of the LPGA for this tournament is a chance for them to possibly attract an LPGA Tour Event in the future to Fort Wayne.