Proclamation Read on the Floor of the Arizona State Senate
On Wednesday, May 7th, the State of Arizona and the Arizona Senate took a special moment during their legislative session to recognize the Southwest PGA Foundation with its very own Legislative Proclamation Day at the Capitol.
In an incredible show of support, Arizona Senate President Pro Tempore Thomas “TJ” Shope, joined the entire State Senate in unanimously acknowledging the impactful work the Foundation is doing within our community and for the game of golf. The proclamation specifically highlighted the amazing PGA HOPE program, support for Special Olympics, Birdies for Good, Junior Golf initiatives, and all the other vital programs championed by PGA professionals and generous donors across Arizona and Southern Nevada.
Senator Shope remarked on this special occasion, stating:
“The Southwest PGA Foundation has established itself as an organization that is built on action. Building bridges within the community on multiple platforms, while enhancing its reach into the hearts, minds, and souls of those communities. Its true mission of using the game as a vehicle for GOOD is quickly gaining momentum.”
The event took place on the Senate Floor and was attended by approximately two dozen leaders representing the Southwest PGA Foundation, the Southwest PGA Section, and our valued partners at the Arizona Golf Alliance. Foundation Chairman Jamey Lewis noted the significance of this recognition, saying, “Having this opportunity to recognize our PGA members, donors and supporters is an enormous step for the Foundation. It brings to light the great work being done, but further emphasizes the mission is just beginning. Whether it be through our Veterans, Special Olympics, or relationships with a multitude of those we support, it’s well understood, we are here for the community for a very long time.”
The morning began with a tour of the Capital, followed by an insightful meeting with Senator Shope. The Senator is a dedicated advocate for golf in Arizona and consistently champions the economic, social, and health benefits of our game. He has also been a leader in promoting a greater understanding of water usage and efficiency within the golf industry. Highlighting that the golf industry uses as little as 2% of the total water in Arizona, the Senator continues to partner with allied associations to share this important message with the legislative body.
Following these engagements, leaders moved to the Senate Floor for the formal reading of the Proclamation. The closing paragraph truly encapsulated the spirit of the day:
“Senator TJ Shope, invites the members of the Arizona State Senate to join in expressing our sincere gratitude to the Southwest PGA Foundation in growing and expanding its reach, while providing a valuable reminder of the therapeutic, holistic, and genuine respect the game has to offer. Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned veteran, junior, teacher, aspiring leader or political figure, the game of golf is for everyone. The Southwest PGA Foundation is the ONLY organization led by PGA professionals and veterans whose sole purpose is to serve the community.”
