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Over 37,000 acres of land were destroyed in the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, claiming 25 lives and forcing over 100,000 people to flee their homes. The fires, which ravaged homes, businesses, and historical landmarks, have resulted in an estimated $250 billion in damages, and just when everyone started losing hope, people like Walter and Shirley Wang gave them something to hold on to.

Walter and Shirley Wang, the couple behind the JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro, have been making a positive impact. They doubled the tournament’s purse and provided athletes with perks like travel prizes and complimentary accommodations. The Wangs were met with gratitude from the LPGA players, and the tournament was even selected as the 2024 LPGA Tournament of the Year.

The couple’s kindness extends beyond the golf course, as they offer complimentary grounds tickets to those affected by the fires and to first responders and military families. “We need to bring some joy, happiness in the midst of all these tragedies,” Walter said. Shirley added, “God doesn’t want you to just freeze. He wants to keep on going on and continue on with life.”

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In a heartwarming display of generosity, Australian golfer Hannah Green pledged to donate $500 for each birdie and $1,000 for every eagle to support fire recovery efforts during the JM Eagle LA Championship, inspired by a conversation she had with LPGA pro Mo Martin, whose family was affected by fire.

“I didn’t really know how many birdies I would make, but it’ ..it’s been a great week for opportunities. I’m grateful to have contributed the amount I did”, Green said. Martin herself has made significant contributions through various initiatives, including “Golf Fore Africa,” where she raised over $15,000 for clean water wells in African villages.

So, despite finishing at T8, Green kept her promise, raising $10,500 with 19 birdies and one eagle.

 

 

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What’s your perspective on:

Can acts of kindness from athletes like Hannah Green truly make a difference in disaster recovery?

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Fans are praising Green’s kind gesture, and her efforts have brought a sense of joy and hope to those affected by the wildfires.

Netizens thank Hannah Green for her amazing initiative

Starting off strong with what one fan said, “Bravo Hannah!! 👏”, while the other wrote, “Amazing and very generous.” Well, Hannah Green isn’t the only golfer who has stepped up to support the LA fire relief efforts. Sahith Theegala, a PGA Tour pro, initially planned to donate $100 for every birdie and $250 for every eagle during the Sony Open, but he then extended this initiative for several more weeks. After struggling to focus during the tournament due to the fires, Theegala emphasized that “any little bit helps during this devastating time.” With 15 birdies and zero eagles at the Sony Open, Theegala’s efforts helped the West Coast swing, providing a glimmer of hope for those affected by the wildfires.

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“A fantastic athlete, human, Aussie, past and future #JMEagle LA Champion. Thanks for looking out for our community! Looking forward to having @hannahgreengolf @steph.kyriacou and the entire #LPGA field back at Wilshire in 2026!”, while the other wrote, “Thank you, Hannah.” But not only Green, the Genesis Invitational that relocated from Riviera Country Club to Torrey Pines Golf Course, also took part in helping those affected by the devastation, as it hosted various programs to provide funds to those in need. Genesis donated $8 million, and Riviera Country Club made a $1 million donation to support the Pacific Palisades community. Players like Collin Morikawa pitched in, pledging to donate $1,000 per birdie and $2,000 per eagle to the California Community Foundation and the LA Fire Department Foundation.

One fan wrote something that may be exactly what Green needed to hear: “Great play!!” And it is true. Green may not have been able to defend her title, but that doesn’t mean she played badly, because the case is quite the opposite. Green finished the tournament with an amazing score of 16 under par after carding -5 in the last round. Well, what are your thoughts on the golfer’s new initiative? Let us know in the comment section below!

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Can acts of kindness from athletes like Hannah Green truly make a difference in disaster recovery?

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