In 2022, Dave Chobanoff of Marietta organized the first Putting for Miracles, a charity golf tournament to benefit children's hospitals. It was not the first time Chobanoff became involved with the cause; for many years, he has participated in Extra Life and other programs offered through the Children's Miracle Network to raise funds for the Penn State Health Children's Hospital in Hershey. Although Chobanoff said he envisioned growing the size of the event and eventually helping it become an annual fundraiser, he was shocked by how quickly Putting for Miracles took off.

"It blew my mind what was accomplished," Chobanoff said. "When I was first conceiving (Putting for Miracles), I remember someone telling me he could see the event bringing in tens of thousands of dollars. I thought it was crazy talk; I never thought it would grow this big in two years." In 2022, Putting for Miracles drew roughly 60 players, and it raised more than $5,000 for the Children's Miracle Network. Last year, the fundraiser attracted more than 100 players and doubled its proceeds.

This year, Putting for Miracles will be held on Saturday, May 18, at Leisure Lanes, 3440 Columbia Ave., Lancaster. Registration will begin at 9 a.m., and the mini golf tournament will commence with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Chobanoff has added a cornhole tournament to this year's event, which will also begin at 10 a.m. A rain date has been set for Sunday, May 19.

Chobanoff continues to expand Putting for Miracles every year. In 2023, the event featured multiple vendors and food tracks, and Chobanoff's group of staff members welcomed extra volunteers to ensure things ran smoothly. This year, Chobanoff partnered with Keystone Cornhole ACL to add the cornhole tournament, and he said he plans to continue to up the ante every year. Putting for Miracles 2024 will again feature numerous food trucks, vendors and prize drawings for items donated by local businesses and organizations. Trophies and medals will be given to each tournament's winning players.

Each previous Putting for Miracles event has included a visit from a child who has benefited from programs offered by Children's Miracle Network. This year's fundraiser will include another appearance from a guest speaker who will share his or her experience with Children's Miracle Network. Putting for Miracles will also be held in association with Play Yellow and Extra Life programs operated by Children's Miracle Network. Both programs share a similar goal: Extra Life, which Chobanoff has participated in for many years, gives video game enthusiasts and online streamers a platform to raise money as they play. Play Yellow offers a similar opportunity for golfers throughout the country.

For more information, visit https://padavesvinyldecals.com/putting-for-miracles or email Chobanoff at puttingformiracles@gmail.com.