Gainbridge, tournament officials at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican and AdventHealth announced today the return of Kicks for a Cause, a collaboration that will amplify stories of AdventHealth’s young patients during tournament week at The ANNIKA.
Nine AdventHealth pediatric patients created custom designs that were transposed onto golf shoes that will be worn by athletes, Annika Sörenstam, World No. 1 Nelly Korda, Pelican Golf Club staff and Gainbridge ambassadors during The ANNIKA Monday and Wednesday Pro-Ams (Nov. 9 and 11). The patients’ original work has been transposed onto the shoes by artist Katie Shaffstall, bringing each design and story to life in a unique way.
The initiative will help bring awareness to AdventHealth’s pediatric programs, AdventHealth for Children.
Sörenstam’s custom pair of shoes, designed by 9-year-old Alexandra – one of the talented young artists receiving care at AdventHealth – shares her love of golf combined with being kind on her cleats.
Korda’s custom shoes, designed by Mary Kate, include a rainbow, with purple as her favorite color. Korda’s shoes also feature waves, inspired by Mary Kate’s love of swimming in the pool and the ocean.
The patients and their families will attend The ANNIKA on Monday, Nov. 9 and Wednesday, Nov. 11, where they will watch the Pro-Am competitions and meet the athletes and participants wearing their designs.
Kicks for a Cause ambassador and patient pairings:
- Annika Sörenstam, Gainbridge brand ambassador, Tournament namesake – paired with Alexandra, age 9
- Nelly Korda, World No. 1 – paired with Mary Kate, age 7
- Annabelle Pancake-Webb, 2027 LPGA Rookie and Gainbridge Sponsor Invitation – paired with Isabela, age 8
- Briana Scurry, Gainbridge brand ambassador, 2x Olympic Gold Medalist soccer goalie – paired with Ensley, age 7 (Monday Pro-Am, Nov. 9)
- Trillium Rose, LPGA Teaching Professional – paired with Piper, age 7 (Monday Pro-Am, Nov. 9)
- Michael McDowell, NASCAR Driver – paired with Carson, age 12
- Danny Doyle III, Pelican Golf Club – paired with Alia, age 9
- Dan Towriss, Group 1001 President and CEO – paired with Alejandro, age 6
- Mike McGee (Annika’s husband) – paired with June, age 9
The ANNIKA will feature a field of 108 of the world’s best female professional golfers competing for a share of the $3.25 million purse, one of the largest on the LPGA Tour outside of the major championships. Named after and hosted by World Golf and LPGA Hall-of-Fame member Annika Sörenstam, The ANNIKA is sponsored by Gainbridge, a Group 1001 company, taking place at the world-class Pelican Golf Club.
AdventHealth is the official and exclusive healthcare system for The ANNIKA. In addition to the Kicks for a Cause program, AdventHealth is presenting partner of the tournament’s Women’s Leadership Summit, the tournament volunteer program and the Junior Golf Show featuring ANNIKA.
