DALLAS, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced it will donate $625,000 to children's charities following its 31st Annual LUV Classic Golf Tournament. The 2016 donation recipients include Children's Hospital Colorado, Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), Knights of Heroes, and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). The donations will benefit the health and well-being of the children helped by these incredible organizations.

For more than 100 years, Children's Hospital Colorado has defined and delivered pediatric health care excellence by demonstrating leadership in medical, research, education, and advocacy programs, and delivering comprehensive everyday care. The hospital has been a Partner of Southwest Airlines' Medical Grant Transportation Program since 2010.

"Funds donated from the 2016 LUV Classic will go toward our Children's Fund, our greatest area of need," said Julie Headley, Director of Corporate Giving at Children's Hospital Colorado. "By supporting this area, we are able to provide the hospital with greater flexibility to care for our young patients and the ability to provide each child—as well as each child's family—the best possible healthcare experience and outcome."

With 111,000 annual patients, Children's Hospital Los Angeles has dedicated itself to create hope and build healthier futures for children through compassionate patient care, leading-edge medical education, and innovative research. Since 2011, CHLA has also been a Partner of Southwest's Medical Transportation Grant Program.

"Funding from 2016 LUV Classic will support our Helping Hands Fund, which ensures that all ill and injured children who come to us receive the care they need to thrive, and allow our doctors, nurses, and researchers to concentrate on what's important: healing kids, making scientific breakthroughs, developing cures, and changing the field of pediatric medicine," said DeAnn S. Marshall, MHA, Senior Vice President and Chief Development and Marketing Officer of CHLA.

Since 2008, The Knights of Heroes Foundation has been a military Partner of Southwest. The foundation empowers children who have lost a parent during military service by providing positive adult mentorship, character development, and lasting friendships forged during an annual wilderness adventure camp.

"The Knights of Heroes Foundation was created for families who have sacrificed so much to preserve the freedom we all enjoy as Americans.  We host families with common losses, allowing them to share experiences and build relationships while increasing public awareness and ensuring that these incredible families are not forgotten with the passage of time," said Steven Harrold, Founder and CEO of Knights of Heroes. "Funds received from LUV Classic will go toward both the 2017 adventure camp (campers and camp activities), as well as cabin renovations."

Since the inception of LUV Classic more than 30 years ago, Southwest has helped Ronald McDonald House Charities serve more than 185,000 children and their families.

"Our Houses are built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on the health of their child. With the funds received from the 2016 LUV Classic, we can continue our three-year goal to serve one million more children and their families per year," said Sarah Tobeck, Development Manager of Strategic Partners and Events at RMHC. "We believe that when a child is hospitalized, the love and support of family is as powerful as the strongest medicine prescribed."

The LUV Classic was founded in 1985 by Southwest Airlines President Emeritus Colleen Barrett. The event has since grown to be ranked as one of Dallas' top charity golf tournaments by the Dallas Business Journal, donating more than $16 million to children's charities since its inception.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
In its 46th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 52,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest operates more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season across a network of 98 destinations in the United States and seven additional countries with service to Cuba expected to begin later this year, subject to governmental approvals.

Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity.  That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as more than 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our valued Partners. Southwest created Transfarency, a philosophy which treats Customers honestly and fairly, and in which low fares actually stay low. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free®  to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare differences might apply. The airline proudly unveiled a bold new look:  Heart.  A new logo, aircraft livery, interior design featuring a new seat and Flight Attendant galley, Employee-designed uniforms, and an updated airport experience all showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees who connect Customers with what's important in their lives.

From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new markets.  With 43 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2015 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at SouthwestOneReport.com.

Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.

 

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SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

Copyright 2016 PR Newswire

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