For residents of Edgerton, Wisconsin, homegrown PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions star Steve Stricker is a real-life hometown hero. That pride extends beyond Stricker’s wins on the golf course.
Stricker’s dream to host a PGA TOUR Champions event came to reality in 2016. Since then, the American Family Insurance Championship has raised $21.7 million for charity, distributing more than 1,100 grants through the Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation.
Those grants provide crucial funding for organizations that support strong families and healthy kids, including Edgerton Community Outreach (ECO), which serves families facing food insecurity, housing instability, and other challenges in Stricker’s hometown. ECO is able to expand its programs and create meaningful opportunities for families in the community Stricker calls home.
A Place to Breathe, Rebuild and Thrive
When a family walks into Edgerton Community Outreach, it isn’t just for food or crisis support. It’s a chance to breathe, rebuild, and take the first steps toward a more stable future. One family of four, for example, was able to pay down debt, maintain housing, and work toward long-term goals, thanks to ECO’s case managers, who provide guidance, goal-setting, and emotional support alongside practical assistance.
Founded more than 20 years ago, Edgerton Community Outreach has been a cornerstone of the local community. Its mission is to provide programs and services that help those in need improve their quality of life and achieve greater self-sufficiency. ECO offers a range of services, including food assistance, housing support, youth programs, and emergency financial aid.
“For many families, small financial setbacks can quickly become overwhelming,” said Sarah Williams, Executive Director of Edgerton Community Outreach. She explained that ECO helps families regain stability by providing tools, resources, and personalized support to address both immediate needs and long-term goals.
Turning Housing into Opportunity
ECO’s Transitional Housing Program illustrates the organization’s long-term impact. While serving only a handful of families at a time, the program helps participants build stability and achieve goals that can change the trajectory of their lives.
“We have seen incredible growth from individuals and families who participate in our Transitional Housing Program,” Williams said. “One young man entered the program needing stability. With safe housing and supportive case management, he completed his schooling and now works for Boeing as a mechanic/engineer. Another woman returned to school, earned her two-year degree in business, and now works in Human Resources for a company that allows her to travel the world.”
ECO also provides rental subsidies and case management to help families set goals, manage finances, and build self-sufficiency.
“The meetings provide emotional support, budgeting suggestions, and allow the family to create their own journey,” Williams said.
Adapting to Community Needs
Over time, ECO has evolved to meet new challenges. Youth-focused hunger initiatives such as Lunch in the Park and Weekend Grub Club help children access meals beyond the school day. ECO also expanded its rental assistance approach, moving from one-time payments to a strategic, tiered model that addresses the root causes of housing instability.
Most recently, ECO completed the redevelopment of 210 West Fulton Street, creating six units of permanent housing dedicated to veterans.
“ECO is more than what it provides but also what it represents,” Williams said. “Volunteers, donors, and recipients are all part of the same local network, which builds trust and compassion.”
A Partnership That Strengthens Through Impact
The partnership with the AmFam Championship has helped ECO expand capacity and respond in times of need. Tournament support made it possible to renovate ECO’s historic tobacco warehouse into its Food Pantry, Client Services Offices, and Thrift Store, expanding reach and sustainability.
“Since 2016, ECO’s partnership with the AmFam Championship has been transformational for both the organization and the community it serves,” Williams said.
“Our partnership with Edgerton Community Outreach is about more than funding,” said Nate Pokrass, Tournament Director and Executive Director of the Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation. “It reflects the pride of a hometown, the power of community, and the impact of providing families with safe housing and access to food. We are honored to support ECO and the life-changing work they do.”
The work of ECO is a source of pride for Stricker, who remains active in his community.
“Growing up in Edgerton, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of giving back to the community that shaped me,” Stricker said. “Supporting ECO is a way to help families thrive and make a lasting impact right here at home.”
Tournament funding has helped ECO build resilience and expand its reach, allowing the organization to support families through a variety of challenges over the years. In turn, Stricker’s connection through the championship inspires pride across the community.
Looking Ahead
ECO is focused on sustaining and expanding its housing initiatives, including the veteran housing at 210 West Fulton Street, and ensuring long-term access to safe and affordable housing for all families in the region.
“Our goal is to help create a broader range of housing options that meet people where they are,” Williams said. “By continuing to collaborate with community partners, we can ensure that individuals and families across the community have access to safe, stable, and affordable places to call home.”
The partnership with the American Family Insurance Championship is more than funding – it reflects hometown pride, shared responsibility, and the belief that strong communities are built by neighbors helping neighbors.”
The American Family Insurance Championship raised $2,035,000 in 2025. Since 2016, the Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation has distributed $21.78 million through 1,171 grants to charitable organizations—continuing to make a meaningful impact in our communities. As the championship approaches its 10th tournament, we highlight one of those organizations and the important work they do.
About Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation
Established in 2013 when Steve Stricker became a brand ambassador for American Family Insurance, the mission of the foundation is to inspire and develop strong families and healthy kids so they can pursue their dreams. The foundation supports organizations that produce tangible outcomes that align with this mission. Web: https://amfamchampionship.com/foundation/; X: @StrickerFNDN
About the American Family Insurance Championship
The American Family Insurance Championship was created in 2016 by American Family Insurance, PGA TOUR Champions and PGA TOUR player and Wisconsin native Steve Stricker. Since its inception, the championship and associated events have raised nearly $22 million for the American Family Children’s Hospital and other charities. The 2026 championship will be held June 1-7 at TPC Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information: Web: www.amfamchampionship.com; Facebook: American Family Insurance Championship; Instagram: @amfamchampionship; TikTok: @AmFamChampionship. #AmFamChamp
