SOUTH BEND, IN – The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and its Four Winds Casinos recently hosted a media day at South Bend Country Club as part of the build up to the 2022 Four Winds Invitational. Media attended a press conference where Beacon Children’s Hospital was named as the beneficiary of the tournament and noted proceeds will be used for a Quad Cab NICU Transport, which will allow Beacon Children’s Hospital to safely transport premature infants as well as the entire Specialty Care Team. The media also were invited to play South Bend Country Club’s highly-ranked golf course.
“The Pokagon Band and our Four Winds Casinos are very proud of our longtime sponsorship of the Four Winds Invitational, which has generated close to $800,000 in proceeds for Beacon Health System and Beacon Children’s Hospital over the last 10 years,” said Rebecca Richards, Tribal Chairwoman for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. “We are looking forward to the 11th edition of the tournament this year and appreciate the continued support from the South Bend community including our sponsors, vendors, volunteers, team members, as well as our partners, the LPGA Epson Tour and South Bend Country Club.”
“Including this year’s $200,000 purse, we have offered over $1.3 million in prize money since we began hosting the Four Winds Invitational in 2012,” said Frank Freedman, Chief Operating Officer of Four Winds Casinos. “Having the tournament take place at South Bend Country Club, along with proceeds going to Beacon Children’s Hospital, has made the Four Winds Invitational one of the most popular events on the LPGA Epson Tour.”
“We would like to thank the Pokagon Band, its Four Winds Casinos and all of the sponsors for their continued generous support over the years,” said Jen Tonkovich, Director of Women and Children’s Services for Beacon Health System. “Receiving the proceeds from the Four Winds Invitational has not only helped us better serve children and families in the region, but also help us plan for the future in ways we can continue to improve our quality of care. This year’s contribution will complete the purchase of the Quad Cab NICU Transport we announced in 2021.”
Greg Helmkamp, Head Golf Professional at South Bend Country Club added, “South Bend Country Club is honored to once again host the Four Winds Invitational. The caliber of our golf course and facilities coupled with the support of our members and our experience in hosting an annual U.S. Open qualifier, will help make the 11th edition of the Four Winds Invitational its best tournament yet.”
The Four Winds Invitational is part of the Epson Tour, which entered its 42nd year of structured competition in 2022 and is the most established women’s qualifying tour in the world as the one “Road to the LPGA.” The tournament will take place from Friday, August 12 through Sunday, August 14 at South Bend Country Club.
