Golf That Matters: 3M Uses 3M Open To Give Back to the Community
Originally published on 3M News Center.
The fourth annual 3M Open – Minnesota’s one and only PGA TOUR event, that recently took place at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota – is about more than golf for 3M. It’s also a way for the company to give back, build stronger communities and highlight how its science helps improve lives.
Each year, 3M collaborates with customers, partners and celebrities to celebrate the 3M Open by implementing special projects that use 3M’s science and innovation in unique ways to benefit local non-profit organizations.
Here is a recap of a few “surprise and delight” moments from this year’s tournament:
M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital Music Therapy program
After supporting the M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital art therapy program in 2021, 3M turned its focus to the hospital’s music therapy program this year.
A federal study found young people have reported a significant increase in depression and anxiety over the past two years. The hospital’s music therapy program uses music as medicine to meet patients’ cognitive, emotional, spiritual, physical and existential needs. Board certified musical therapists lead the program that serves outpatient day program children ages 6-18.
3M commercial graphics partner The Vomela Companies updated hospital therapy rooms with calming wall graphics using 3M Print Film and lighting improvements. New musical instruments, sensory tools and headphones for the program were sourced through multiple 3M Open pre-tournament drives.
“The updated music therapy rooms are now inviting, calming spaces that will inspire patients to express themselves through music to support their mental health. Like our music rooms, our instruments were outdated, too – some were about 40 years old. The quality of the new instruments will provide an improved experience,” said Gene Nisja, M.A., LMFT, who manages the hospital’s day programs. “We really appreciate 3M for supporting children struggling with mental health and for believing in music as medicine.”
On July 20, Jeff Lavers, group president of 3M Consumer Business and interim group president of 3M Health Care, visited the hospital to deliver the donation drive items and check out the new décor along with Vomela COO, Tim Wieland, and a few celebrity guests – country music star Jake Owen, Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Kyle Rudolph (a beloved former Minnesota Viking and generous supporter of the hospital), and Mardy Fish, a former tennis pro and skilled golfer who played in the 3M Open as a sponsor exemption.
In turn, they were treated to an inspired musical performance by a former day program participant and handmade thank you cards from current program patients.
Jake delivered a live performance that was televised throughout the hospital from the Zucker Family Suite and Broadcast Studio for all patients and staff to enjoy.
Prior to leaving the hospital and heading to TPC to participate in the 3M Open Pro-Am and Compass Challenge, Jake, Mardy and Kyle spoke to news media about the therapeutic value of music in their lives and the importance of mental health care.
“The kids really appreciated the visit from Jake Owen, Kyle Rudolph, and Mardy Fish. They were inspired to hear how music impacts and motivates them and learn how even famous singers like Jake Owen struggle with self-confidence. The visit brought smiles to their faces, and I’m sure will be a moment they’ll never forget,” said Nisja.
Urban Ventures receives donation of 25 iPads at 3M Open’s inaugural Golf 4 All Day
On July 19, Larry Fitzgerald, a Minnesota native and former Arizona Cardinal regarded as one of the National Football League’s greatest wide receivers, joined Kady Stoll, 3M vice president of global sponsorships, and Mike Welch, 3M Open tournament director, to announce a technology donation to Urban Ventures, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit that serves over 1,800 youth and families, offering 'cradle-to-career' support that helps students graduate high school prepared for college or postsecondary education.
Insight Direct USA, a longtime 3M technology supplier, donated 25 iPads, which 3M equipped with screen protectors. The donation will help Urban Ventures provide technology access for children in its program.
The Urban Ventures group also enjoyed some golf fun at 3M Open’s first-ever Golf 4 All Day. More than 500 kids from youth organizations around the Twin Cities had an opportunity to experience golf in unique ways, including golf instruction from famous professional athletes, as well as art, science, music and fashion activities at TPC.
“Urban Ventures is grateful to the 3M Open and The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation for making this special day for our youth possible. Larry embodies the character and leadership our youth aspire to. The gifted iPads will further advance learning within our Innovation Center, where kids can explore computer coding, robotics, and other STEAM-related activities,” said Urban Ventures President and CEO, Dave Hawn.
Post-event in-kind donations
Two 3M Hydration Station units, sponsored by 3M’s Separation and Purification Sciences Division and Elkay to provide complimentary refillable water bottles and filtered drinking water for fans at the 3M Open, were donated to Stepping Stone, a non-profit organization that provides shelter, unique programming and support to adults experiencing homelessness. The contactless water bottle filling stations are the same design as units found in many airports, schools, offices and gyms.
“Generous donations like this help us by removing the burden of having to purchase expensive equipment. This specific donation has an even more valuable impact on our residents by providing them with peace of mind during an unimaginably stressful time and addressing their basic needs of convenient access to better tasting, cleaner drinking water which they wouldn’t otherwise have,” said Stepping Stone Executive Director, Julie Jeppson.
The Symphonic Swing percussive art installation that entertained many 3M Open event goers near the fan entrance at TPC Twin Cities, will also be donated to a non-profit organization to be determined later. The interactive walk-through display is made of 52 golf irons attached to chimes tuned to the natural keys of a piano. The fixture is assembled with 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Epoxy Adhesive DP420 and it uses 3M™ Sound Damping Foils on the club heads to improve the tone of the ring and lower the volume.
3M Open pillar charities
The 3M Open will donate at least $1.5 million to charities this year, with a cumulative total of more than $6 million donated since the event’s inception in 2019. The 2022 tournament supports the following pillar charities by raising awareness and contributing funds once the event is completed: M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital, First Tee Minnesota, YWCA of St. Paul, YWCA of Minneapolis, Greater Twin Cities United Way, and Science Museum of Minnesota.
