The Detroit-based Rocket Giving Fund today celebrated 313 Day — an annual recognition of Detroit’s area code — by announcing that the 2022 Rocket Mortgage Classic raised $1.57 million to support local Detroit nonprofits.
Connect 313, a collaborative partnership that works to bridge Detroit’s digital divide, will receive $622,555 of the proceeds.
A partnership between the Rocket Mortgage Classic, Rocket Community Fund, Microsoft, the city of Detroit, and others, Connect 313 recently surpassed its 100,000th household enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Detroit’s current ACP enrollment stands at 102,123 homes, representing more than 54 percent of qualified properties — the highest rate of enrollment nationwide for cities with more than 150,000 eligible households.
First launched at the 2021 Rocket Mortgage Classic Media Day and the only campaign of its kind in the country, the Connect 313 campaign assists residents in enrolling in the federal ACP, which provides a $30 monthly discount toward internet access, and a one-time $100 subsidy toward a technological device.
“Two years ago, at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, we set out to fundamentally change how Detroiters connect to the internet, technology, and digital literacy resources,” says Laura Grannemann, board chair of Connect 313, a member of the Rocket Giving Fund board, and executive director of the Rocket Community Fund.
“Hitting this milestone of improving the digital connectivity of more than 100,000 households is an important reminder of how much we can accomplish when we work together as a community. The Rocket Mortgage Classic is proud to be a catalyst of both great golf and lasting impact.”
Due to the 2022 Rocket Mortgage Classic, the Rocket Giving Fund made the following donations in support of its Changing the Course initiative, the multi-year campaign first announced in 2020 to invest in programs and organizations helping bridge Detroit’s digital divide:
- $622,555 to Connect 313
- $100,000 to Midnight Golf, Detroit Police Athletic League, and First Tee Greater Detroit
Of the money allocated for Connect 313, Rocket Mortgage invested $210,000 through the Rocket Mortgage Classic’s “AREA 313,” or holes 14-16 at the Detroit Golf Club. On the most charitable three holes in golf, celebrity scramble golfers and PGA Tour professionals who scored a 3 on Hole 14 (an eagle) or a 3 on Hole 16 (a birdie) triggered a $2,500 donation toward Changing the Course, and golfers who scored a 1 on Hole 15 (a hole-in-one) generated a $10,000 donation.
“AREA 313 has consistently provided the most excitement at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, thanks to the fan-focused environment and excellent play from PGA Tour pros that allow us to give back in a bigger way,” says Bill Emerson, vice chair of the Rocket Giving Fund Board and interim CEO of Rocket Cos. “We are proud that, year after year, we can continue investing in the futures of our residents across our hometown of Detroit.”
The Rocket Giving Fund also announced the following disbursements:
- $100,000 to the Greater Palmer Park Community
- $747,687 to Birdies for Charity, other charitable giving, and noncash donations
“Today, on 313 Day, we are proud to share how we are Changing the Course in Detroit by using the Rocket Mortgage Classic as a powerful force for good,” says Jason Langwell, executive director of the Rocket Mortgage Classic. “While the last few years have provided us different experiences and challenges hosting the Rocket Mortgage Classic, today’s announcement should demonstrate that our commitment to our hometown is unwavering.”
Last year’s event marked the final year of the Birdies for Charity program at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. A new charity program will be announced over the coming weeks that will take its place.
Since 2019, the Rocket Mortgage Classic has invested more than $6.8 million into local charitable organizations, including more than $3.8 million through its Changing the Course digital inclusion effort.
The fifth annual Rocket Mortgage Classic will be played June 27-July 2 at the historic Detroit Golf Club.
