FirstEnergy Foundation Tees Up Support for Northeast Ohio Communities through Ambassador of Golf Event
When Darius Rucker sang “We'll take the world together, we'll take 'em by the hand,” it became an anthem of connection and compassion – values that have defined not only his music career but also his commitment to giving back. This summer, Rucker will be honored with the Ambassador of Golf Award, recognizing his dedication to making the game of golf a force for good.
The award will be presented at the FirstEnergy Foundation-sponsored annual Ambassador of Golf event on June 19 at House 330 during the week of the Kaulig Companies Championship at Firestone Country Club.
The Ambassador of Golf event highlights an individual who has made a meaningful impact on and off the course. Rucker, a three-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist, has long supported charitable causes through golf, raising millions for children’s hospitals, education and youth sports programs.
Rucker's recognition comes at a time when golf is in the midst of a remarkable resurgence. Participation in the sport is up 5% over last year and 38% higher than pre-pandemic levels, with celebrities like Rucker helping to broaden the game’s appeal and inspire new audiences to engage with it – not just as a sport, but as a platform for community impact.
Proceeds from the Ambassador of Golf event benefit local nonprofits across Northeast Ohio, supporting capital projects that address critical needs in the community.
“Golf may be an individual sport, but Ambassador of Golf brings us together to fund projects that will make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors,” said Torrence Hinton, President of FirstEnergy Ohio. “The FirstEnergy Foundation is proud to support the Northern Ohio Golf Charities and Foundation and the organizations working to build stronger, more resilient communities across our region.”
Watch a video featuring some of this year’s Ambassador of Golf grant recipients on FirstEnergy’s YouTube channel.
In 2025, 30 local nonprofit organizations received grants from Ambassador of Golf funding. Each grant is directed toward a specific capital project that addresses urgent community needs – from food insecurity to housing for veterans. This year’s projects in Akron’s community include:
Humility of Mary Housing: Replacing the roof on an apartment building to help the organization continue to provide affordable housing and supportive services that enable families experiencing homelessness to achieve stability and independence.
North Hill Community Development Corporation: Constructing Akron’s first soccer court, which will help the organization continue to revitalize Akron’s North Hill neighborhood through inclusive economic development, cultural programming, and community engagement.
Feeding Hope Food Pantry: Purchasing two new, energy efficient freezers to increase space for frozen protein and save on electric bills so the organization can expand nutritious offerings for individuals and families in need.
Truth and Honor: Installing a new garage door on the woodworking workshop at a veterans’ home that will help the organization support veterans through mental health services, peer support and community reintegration programs.
The FirstEnergy Foundation provides support to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits that serve and meet the critical needs of our customers in communities served by FirstEnergy’s electric operating companies and in areas where the company conducts business.