It’s an essential hub for students. A quiet space for imagination. A portal to newly discovered potential. At John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham, Alabama, the library is all of these things – and, thanks to support from the Regions Tradition’s Birdies for Charity program, it’s being transformed to better serve today’s learner.
“This funding goes directly to students,” said Dr. Katie King, Director of Curriculum at John Carroll. “It allows us to pursue passion projects we simply wouldn’t have the funds for otherwise.”
Through Birdies for Charity, donors can choose to support a participating charity through flat donations or per-birdie pledges tied to PGA TOUR Champions players’ performance during the Regions Tradition. Every dollar donated goes directly to the charity, and each gift is amplified through a bonus match.
As one of the Regions Tradition’s local beneficiaries, John Carroll is seeing how a premier Birmingham sporting event can drive lasting impact in the classroom and beyond.
“We’re currently working to completely renovate our library – everything from new carpeting to books,” King said.
Teachers have volunteered their time to move the project forward, including Dr. Alex Harb, who dedicated his summer to organizing the book collection and integrating it into updated library software.
“He wanted to help research books for the library,” King shared. “I was able to say, ‘From this funding, I can give you $500 to research and reserve new books.’”
Students are also part of shaping the space.
“Our lead library volunteer, Ms. Nonna, will work with students to research and purchase books that are exciting for them,” King said.
New furniture, bookshelves, modern technology – including resources linked to the school’s growing sports broadcasting program – and durable, eco-friendly carpeting are all part of the plan.
This year alone, a $25,000 donation through Birdies for Charity was designated for John Carroll, enhanced by matching bonus dollars.
“Birdies for Charity allows us to make every gift go further,” King explained. “That compound effect of goodness supports things we wouldn’t be able to fund otherwise.”
For a private Catholic school, that capability matters deeply.
“Parents pay for everything, with support from our generous alumni community,” King said. “This program allows us to give students extras without raising tuition or impacting families, and alongside a $50,000 donation from our PTO, it truly makes a difference.”
As renderings of the future state of the library are unveiled and progress is shared, the library renovation is doing more than updating a space, it’s building momentum.
“It sets the stage for a culture of generosity,” King said.
Proof that what begins with birdies on the course can help build opportunity, access and possibility where it matters most – with students.
Birdies for Charity Impact: Donations raised during the Regions Tradition help fund student-focused projects like library renovations at John Carroll Catholic High School – at no additional cost to families.