Photo courtesy of DSM Sports Marketing
Professional LPGA golfer Kyeong Bae recently attempted to win hundreds of thousands of dollars for Drum Corps International (DCI). Bae competed in the 2011 RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup, a unique tournament that donated all of its $1 million purse to charity.
Although Bae was just one shot off of a top 10 finish, DCI was still thrilled to be her chosen charity and hopes for future partnership opportunities.
“Drum Corps International provides outstanding leadership development opportunities and performing arts educational experiences to student musicians and performers,” Bae said in a press release. “With music education programs being eliminated in schools at an alarming pace, I feel it’s important to raise awareness of the work that DCI does to provide learning and performance opportunities to thousands of young people each year.”
Bae first became aware of DCI through her agent, president of DSM Sports Marketing John DeNovi, who also works as DCI’s director of sales and business development.
“She approached me about selecting a charity, and I suggested it would be a good fit for her,” DeNovi says. “She is an avid piano player that used to compete in Korea growing up. She had never seen DCI before until I showed her a DVD, and she was fascinated by it.”
Bae promotes DCI and other sponsors right on her golf bag, which includes an innovative flat-screen video display that serves as a walking billboard.
In the past, Bae has donated signed memorabilia and golf merchandise to DCI for charity auctions. “She was eager to pledge her support and very excited to donate if she won.” DeNovi says. “Being associated with a pro golfer at this level is pretty significant for DCI, and we hope it inspires a lot of celebrities and athletes to step forward and contribute like she has.”
