Southwest Airlines Tees Up To Donate $625,000 To Children's Charities From 31st Annual LUV Classic Golf Tournament Proceeds

For more than 100 years, Children's Hospital Colorado has defined and delivered pediatric health care excellence by demonstrating leadership in medical, research, education, and advocacy programs, and delivering comprehensive everyday care. The hospital has been a Partner of Southwest Airlines' Medical Grant Transportation Program since 2010.

"Funds donated from the 2016 LUV Classic will go toward our Children's Fund, our greatest area of need," said Julie Headley, Director of Corporate Giving at Children's Hospital Colorado. "By supporting this area, we are able to provide the hospital with greater flexibility to care for our young patients and the ability to provide each child—as well as each child's family—the best possible healthcare experience and outcome."

With 111,000 annual patients, Children's Hospital Los Angeles has dedicated itself to create hope and build healthier futures for children through compassionate patient care, leading-edge medical education, and innovative research. Since 2011, CHLA has also been a Partner of Southwest's Medical Transportation Grant Program.

"Funding from 2016 LUV Classic will support our Helping Hands Fund, which ensures that all ill and injured children who come to us receive the care they need to thrive, and allow our doctors, nurses, and researchers to concentrate on what's important: healing kids, making scientific breakthroughs, developing cures, and changing the field of pediatric medicine," said DeAnn S. Marshall, MHA, Senior Vice President and Chief Development and Marketing Officer of CHLA.

Since 2008, The Knights of Heroes Foundation has been a military Partner of Southwest. The foundation empowers children who have lost a parent during military service by providing positive adult mentorship, character development, and lasting friendships forged during an annual wilderness adventure camp.

"The Knights of Heroes Foundation was created for families who have sacrificed so much to preserve the freedom we all enjoy as Americans.  We host families with common losses, allowing them to share experiences and build relationships while increasing public awareness and ensuring that these incredible families are not forgotten with the passage of time," said Steven Harrold, Founder and CEO of Knights of Heroes. "Funds received from LUV Classic will go toward both the 2017 adventure camp (campers and camp activities), as well as cabin renovations."

Since the inception of LUV Classic more than 30 years ago, Southwest has helped Ronald McDonald House Charities serve more than 185,000 children and their families.

"Our Houses are built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on the health of their child. With the funds received from the 2016 LUV Classic, we can continue our three-year goal to serve one million more children and their families per year," said Sarah Tobeck, Development Manager of Strategic Partners and Events at RMHC. "We believe that when a child is hospitalized, the love and support of family is as powerful as the strongest medicine prescribed."

The LUV Classic was founded in 1985 by Southwest Airlines President Emeritus Colleen Barrett. The event has since grown to be ranked as one of Dallas' top charity golf tournaments by the Dallas Business Journal, donating more than $16 million to children's charities since its inception.

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SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

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