What happens when you bring PGA golfers, an NFL tight end and 3M together?

Kids have a better experience during their stays at University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital.

In order to support the hospital’s outstanding work, 3M Open officials have selected the hospital to receive a portion of the proceeds from the PGA tournament, which will take place the first week of July at the TPC Twin Cities Golf Club in Blaine, Minn. This gift is made possible through the newly established 3M Open Fund, a nonprofit organization in charge of directing the tournament’s charitable efforts.

As Minnesota’s only children’s hospital that is part of an academic health center, University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital is home to one of the nation’s top 10 pediatric research programs and is a driving force in educating the next generation of children’s health care providers.

“This tournament represents golf that matters,” said Paul Keel, senior vice president, 3M Business Development and Marketing-Sales. “3M cares about the communities where we live and work. Through the 3M Open Fund, we are happy to direct proceeds from the event to help University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital and the patients and families it serves right here in Minnesota.”

Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph, a champion for University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, will extend his role to become an official ambassador for the 3M Open. In December 2017, Rudolph and his wife, Jordan, opened Kyle Rudolph’s End Zone at University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, which also will receive a portion of the tournament proceeds.

“The work Jordan and I do at University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital would not be possible without Minnesota-based companies like 3M,” said Rudolph. “I am extremely proud to be the ambassador for the 3M Open and to support the tournament and its commitment to our community and, specifically, to University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital.”

“The University has a long-standing relationship with 3M, a brand synonymous with Minnesota, and we are grateful for our new partnership with the 3M Open,” said Joseph Neglia, MD, MPH, physician in chief of University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital. "Together with the 3M Open, we will make a lasting impact for patients and their families.” 

“We are honored to be able to assist this outstanding organization through the 3M Open Fund and raise awareness of all the good that is being done at University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital,” added Peter Mele, tournament director of the 3M Open. “We are equally excited to partner with Kyle Rudolph, who does outstanding work for the communities in which we all live.”

To learn more, visit the tournament’s website at  www.3MOpen.com.