When our daughter Nan was 11 months old, Jack and I experienced every parent's worst nightmare. While playing with her older brothers, she must have inhaled a piece of crayon that became lodged in her windpipe, blocking her airway and causing choking episodes. When the doctors at Columbus Children’s Hospital, now Nationwide Children’s attempted to remove the crayon using an adult bronchoscope, a piece broke off, fell into her lung resulting in pneumonia and a week-long hospital stay. As young parents, the incident and the days that followed made us realize that, if ever in a position to help, we wanted to do everything we could to ensure that every child has access to the best possible healthcare.

That experience inspired a mission that forever shaped our lives. Living in South Florida, we were struck by the alarming gap in specialized pediatric care. For Jack and me, Palm Beach County is our home, and we felt a deep responsibility to help make it better for local families.

This is why the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches holds such a special place in our hearts. Every putt, every drive, every moment of competition represents hope for a child’s future. While many see a golf tournament, we see a lifeline—one that supports Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and over fifty local children’s charities in our community. Last year alone, thanks to the incredible generosity of this community, the tournament distributed over $6.5 million to charitable organizations, including $2 million to Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, helping to provide support to thousands of families in need.

This profound impact is what makes the Cognizant Classic so much more than just a sporting event—it’s a celebration of hope and a testament to the power of community. One of my favorite parts of tournament week is spending time with the children and families who benefit from the work we do.

So, whether you’re joining us in person or watching from home, know that by supporting the Cognizant Classic, you’re not just attending a golf tournament—you’re giving children the chance to grow up healthy, happy, and full of potential. Your support helps us ensure that families facing the unimaginable can find hope in the form of world-class care. You’re making a difference in the lives of children who, like Nan, deserve a future full of possibility. For that, we are forever grateful.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Barbara Nicklaus