This is the second of three awards the Museum will receive from the annual tournament, with 2019’s proceeds to WMA totaling $77,469.

During 2020’s virtual event, Michelin business partners and suppliers tuned in to hear an update from the company’s leadership team and present charitable contributions, according to a news release from the company. Since 1989, the charity golf tournament has raised over $9 million dollars.

“Michelin appreciates the continued support for our charity partners, especially this year when help is needed more than ever before,” said Steve Jahries, vice president of purchasing for Michelin North America. “Although our tournament looked quite different than in previous years, we are grateful for our network of partners that have continued to make an impact on our communities through this event for more than 30 years.”

WMA’s portion of the proceeds will be used to support the Museum’s mission to inspire lifelong learning through the visual arts for Wiregrass residents and visitors. This charitable gift will allow WMA to continue to respond to the ongoing disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as strengthen operations, existing programs, and special projects at WMA.

In addition to its current exhibition and program schedule, the Museum will promote broader access and equity to the arts across the community, and will improve visitor experiences through technology. WMA will also use funds to continue its commitment to supporting pre-K-12 public education and providing lifelong learning opportunities for all residents of the Wiregrass.

“It’s incredibly valuable to receive multi-year operating support from organizations like Michelin. The kind of predictability this provides an organization allows us to remain flexible to the needs of the public, and resilient against disruptions,” said Dana-Marie Lemmer, executive director of WMA. “Support like this enables the museum to continue services without disruption.”

In addition to the Wiregrass Museum of Art, the beneficiaries from the 2020 event include Greenville’s Camperdown Academy, the Roper Mountain Science Center, Girl Scouts of South Carolina Mountains to Midlands, Columbia, S.C.’s Fisher House for the families of injured veterans and The Nature Conservancy. Other charities benefiting were Ardmore Bridges Out of Poverty in Ardmore, Okla.; Louisville Urban League in Louisville, Ky.; New Directions Housing Corporation in Jefferson County, Ky.; and Stanly Health Foundation in Albemarle, N.C.

About Michelin North America

Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America, Inc. (www.michelinman.com) has more than 21,400 employees and operates 19 major manufacturing plants.