Play, Sponsor, or Support: Join the Republic Bank Players Challenge this month!

For 22 years, Jewish Family & Career Services and the Trager Family JCC have teamed up for the Republic Bank Players Challenge. This year, there are two ways to play: Mahjong for a Mission on Sunday, August 30, and the Golf Scramble on Monday, August 31.

The Players Challenge began in 2004 when JFCS and the Trager Family JCC combined their separate golf fundraisers into one community event. Republic Bank soon joined as the title sponsor, helping it grow into an annual tradition that brings together golfers, volunteers, sponsors and friends.

The partnership between JFCS and the Trager Family JCC is an important part of what makes this event special. Both organizations have deep roots in Louisville’s Jewish community and are guided by Jewish values that call us to care for others, build connections and strengthen the world around us.

We are proud to serve Louisville’s Jewish community while also bringing those values into our work throughout the broader community. Serving people of all backgrounds is one of the ways we represent the Jewish community and put our shared values into action.

As Golf Committee Chair Mitch Greenfield shared, “It’s an opportunity to help two great organizations. What stands out for me is that they’re both such wide supporters of the community. And while they have Jewish affiliations, their support of Louisville goes far beyond the Jewish community.”

This year, we are excited to offer a new way to participate. Mahjong for a Mission will bring players together at the Trager Family JCC for a morning of open play for all levels, refreshments and prizes. Players of all skill levels are welcome, so gather your group and join us.

“With the excitement around Mahjong and its deep tradition within the Jewish community, this felt like the perfect time to add Mahjong for a Mission to the Republic Bank Players Challenge,” said Courtney Evans, JFCS Director of Advancement. “Thanks to increased support from Republic Bank, we were able to make it happen and create another way for people to come together in support of both organizations.”

Anyone who registers for Mahjong for a Mission by August 14 will be entered to win an Oh My Mahjong mat. During the week leading up to the event, we will also have an in-person silent auction in the Trager Family JCC lobby. Items include gift cards to local restaurants, an Oh My Mahjong bag and mat, Mahjong lessons, bourbon and more.

The following day, golfers will gather at the Standard Club for the Golf Scramble, featuring lunch, prizes, contests, a bourbon tasting and a post-golf “Taste of the World” celebration with food from five immigrant-owned restaurants, including MeeshMeesh, Vincenzo’s and more.

Even if you cannot play this year, you can still be part of the event by sponsoring a player who may not be able to cover the registration fee. This is a great option for anyone who cannot attend this year, or for anyone who wants to help another community member participate.

Whether you play Mahjong, join us on the golf course or sponsor someone else’s participation, your support helps two Jewish organizations continue serving Louisville.