Demonstrating its commitment to annually celebrating our area’s military, THE PLAYERS Championship will kick off the 2021 tournament with a day-long, community-wide campaign to drive awareness and support for military organizations in Northeast Florida.

Statistics have revealed that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the lives of military members and their families, with record suicide rates resulting from the isolation and challenges of the pandemic. THE PLAYERS is seeking to encourage the entire community to join forces and serve as champions for the military.

The tournament’s campaign, #Match4Military, will go live on Tuesday, March 9, and THE PLAYERS has committed to match, dollar for dollar, all donations up to $250,000. #Match4Military will generate support and awareness for Northeast Florida military organizations like K9s for Warriors, The Fire Watch, Greater Jacksonville Area USO, Wounded Warrior Project, Operation New Uniform, and more.

The campaign will go live on Tuesday, March 9. Fans interested in donating can do so by visiting www.theplayers.com/match4military, powered by GoFundMe.

In addition, THE PLAYERS has chosen Northeast Florida-based nonprofit The Fire Watch as its Charity of the Day on Tuesday, March 9. The Fire Watch is Northeast Florida’s fight to end veteran suicide and recently launched a “Watch Stander” program that trains the general public to ‘stand watch’ and ‘save lives’ in response to the sharp rise in veteran suicide rates locally and across the country. In Northeast Florida, data averages reveal that there is one military member suicide per day.

Those interested in becoming a Watch Stander must participate in a 45-minute online training session that focuses on learning how to identify crisis signals, direct veterans to the resources and support they need and commit to protect those who have protected us. Since launching the Watch Stander program in May 2020, just over 300 people have signed up to serve as Watch Standers; however, The Fire Watch has announced a goal to mobilize at least 3,000 before the year’s end.