Recognized with an Arnie Award, Kate and Justin Rose are Championing Hunger-Free Weekends for Children in Orlando

In a world where sports intersect with philanthropy, Justin Rose’s story truly stands out. As a talented PGA tour golfer and Olympic gold medalist, he’s made quite a name for himself on the greens. But it’s his heartfelt work alongside his wife, Kate, that has truly captured the community’s admiration.

In March 2025, they were honored with Golf Digest’s prestigious Arnie Award for their incredible commitment to improving the lives of children. It was a moment filled with emotion. As Justin accepted the award, he was surrounded by more than a dozen smiling kids from the Blessings in a Backpack Orlando Chapter, a powerful reminder of how impactful their work has been.

The “Arnie” Award, named after Arnold Palmer, is presented by Golf Digest to professional golfers who reflect his commitment to philanthropy and community service. As the publication’s highest honor, the award celebrates those who make a significant impact through charitable work, carrying on Palmer’s legacy on and off the course.

I know that there’s been so many people before me who have given so much to the game. So this is a huge honor,” said Justin. “Anytime you’re associated with Mr. Palmer, it’s just something incredibly special and a great reminder for me to continue to go about things the right way as he embodied his whole career.

Journey with Blessings in a Backpack

The Roses’ journey with Blessings began in 2009 when Kate discovered the organization through her involvement with the PGA Tour Wives Association. She immediately recognized the urgent need to create hunger-free weekends for kids who might without hungry when they’re not at school. That spark turned into a mission, and together, they established the Kate & Justin Rose Foundation, aiming not just to provide nutrition but to inspire children through education and meaningful experiences.

Over the years, their partnership has significantly supported Blessings. Between 2010 and 2019, the Kate & Justin Rose Foundation helped provide over 535,000 hunger-free weekends for more than 15,000 kids across five schools in Central Florida.

Making a Lasting Impact

In 2020, the Roses took their support to the next level. Thanks to their generosity, the Blessings in a Backpack Orlando Chapter launched, flourishing under the direction of a managing director and chapter coordinator, alongside a local advisory board to guide local efforts.

Looking ahead to the 2024/25 school year, the Orlando Chapter is set to feed 4,200 children at 34 programs across Central Florida, totaling 151,200 hunger-free weekends! This remarkable legacy of kindness and dedication demonstrates how one couple’s commitment can make a tangible difference in the community, inspiring others to putt their support behind our mission.

A Ripple Effect Beyond Orlando

What’s truly inspiring is that the Roses’ impact doesn’t stop in Orlando. Kate’s early involvement on Blessings’ national board was crucial for the organization’s growth, and together, they have supported events nationwide. With partnerships from sponsors like Zurich and Farmers, they’ve taken the mission of Blessings into cities like New Orleans and San Diego, ensuring thousands of children receive nutritious food every weekend.

As Justin shared about Kate, “It’s why she gets top billing. She’s got a heart of gold. She got involved right away with the PGA Tour Wives’ Association, got engaged with Blessings in a Backpack through cities we visited, and then we took that to heart to help in our adopted city.”

His admiration for her dedication shines through their collaboration with Blessings, including coordinating the U.S. qualifying event for the Duke of Edinburgh Cup, where Justin proudly serves as the National Ambassador, and Kate plays a vital role on the Board of Trustees.

A Bright Future Ahead 

With Justin and Kate Rose leading the way, the Blessings Orlando Chapter continues to grow and thrive. They’ve illustrated that the true measure of achievement lies in our ability to give back, demonstrating that compassion, creativity, and collaboration can ignite transformative change. Their inspiring journey is a heartfelt call to action, encouraging us all to take a swing at making a positive impact in our communities and beyond, proving that together, we can truly drive change.