Underscoring its long-standing commitment to give back to the local community, THE PLAYERS Championship will team up with non-profit Dreams Come True to create unforgettable, inside-the-ropes experiences for two young people with life-threatening illnesses during this year’s tournament.

Four-year-old Marjorie Dempsey and 17-year-old Allen Roberson were the guests of honor during a Dreams Come True Party at TPC Sawgrass’ Pub 17 on Wednesday, March 6, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, where they were showered with gifts and learned about their VIP experience at THE PLAYERS.  During the party, Dreams Come True acknowledged the generosity and support of the Red Coats, a committee comprised of past chairmen of THE PLAYERS that has awarded charitable grants to Dreams Come True.  The non-profit’s mission is to fulfill the dreams of children from the First Coast who have life-threatening illnesses.

The Dreams Come True experience for Marjorie and Allen at THE PLAYERS will take place on Wednesday, March 13, beginning at 10:00 am, when both Dreamers and their families will be welcomed inside the ropes on the iconic 17^th hole at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course during the Caddie Competition.  The opportunity will include a meet and greet as well as a photo opportunity with PGA TOUR players.  Following lunch in the Birdies for the Brave® Patriots’ Outpost presented by United Rentals, a military hospitality tent, all guests will enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the tournament, including visits to the Media Center, ShotLink truck and other venues.

Dreamer Marjorie was born at just 27 weeks’ gestation, weighing only one pound/15 ounces.  After nearly 70 days in the NICU, she was discharged – only to be diagnosed months later with neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of cancer commonly found in the adrenal glands.  After multiple rounds of chemotherapy, she was deemed cancer-free.  Marjorie will be attending the tournament with her parents, McCall and Jordan Dempsey.

Allen was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor last year and has since endured numerous rounds of chemotherapy and proton radiation, as well as multiple surgeries and shunts in his brain.  He went from an active athlete to having to learn to walk again; however, none of these challenges have stopped Allen from bringing positivity and a smile to everyone he meets.  Allen will be attending the tournament with his mom, Lydia, and his sister, Lauren.

“On behalf of Dreams Come True, I’d like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to THE PLAYERS Tournament Chairman Adam Campbell, the Red Coats, and the entire team at the PGA TOUR and the tournament for helping to create magical memories for these two very special children and their families,” said Andrea Siracusa, director of community relations for Dreams Come True.  “We are overwhelmed by the generosity and compassion demonstrated by this incredible gesture of support.”

Dreams Come True is the First Coast’s only locally-based non-profit organization dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses. Founded in 1984 by the late Thomas R. McGehee, chairman of the board of Mac Papers, and his wife, Delia, Dreams Come True has made dreams come to life for nearly 4,000 local children.  No eligible child is ever denied a dreamor placed on a waiting list.  In addition, 100% of all donations go directly toward dream fulfillment.  For more information, visit www.dreamscometrue.org.

For tickets and more information about THE PLAYERS, visit www.theplayers.com.

Written and submitted by the PGA TOUR