JJ Watt working out in an Arizona Cardinals T-Shirt. Image courtesy: JJ Watt/Facebook
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year is headlining a charity golf event in Northeast Wisconsin this summer.
JJ Watt will be the guest of honor for the 39th annual U.S. Venture Open, the nation’s largest one-day charitable event dedicated to ending poverty.
Originally from Pewaukee, Watt is an alumni of UW-Madison and the winner of the 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. He spent 10 seasons with the Houston Texans and two with the Arizona Cardinals.
In addition to his football accolades, Watt has also established himself as a philanthropist, serving as the board president of the JJ Watt Foundation.
“JJ Watt is an all-time NFL great, Badger alum, and most importantly, a world changer who leveraged his platform to raise more than $40 million in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. He is the perfect fit for the U.S. Venture Open and our mission to end poverty,” said Greg Vandenberg, director of giving and community engagement for U.S. Venture, in a statement.
The U.S. Venture Open began in 1986 with 100 golfers and has expanded to 1,200 attendees representing more than 700 partners golfing at regional courses to raise money for programs that fight poverty. Funds raised support the Basic Needs Giving Partnership. Since the event’s inception, $56 million in grants have been provided to non-profit organizations throughout Northeast Wisconsin.
Officials say Watt will make an appearance the event and be interviewed at the dinner reception held for registered guests that evening.
“I am honored to be part of the U.S. Venture Open this year,” Watt said in a statement. “The work being done to drive change and impact poverty in Northeast Wisconsin is close to my heart and I’m grateful to come back to Wisconsin and personally have a direct impact to my home state.”
To donate and/or register to attend the Aug. 14 event, click here.
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