Nationwide Awarded Scholarship at Columbus Tournament
The company presented an 18-year-old cancer survivor with a college scholarship during a golf tournament.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Philanthropy
Nationwide awarded a $10,000 scholarship to 18-year-old Reese Shirey at the Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship. Shirey, a cancer survivor who reached remission in 2021, opened the event with the First Shot to Fight Cancer.
Why it matters
The tournament serves as a major fundraising vehicle for Nationwide Children's Hospital, highlighting the intersection of corporate philanthropy and community health support. Since its inception, the event has raised significant capital to bolster hospital resources.
Nationwide has helped the tournament raise nearly $33 million for the hospital since it began in 2007. The current scholarship provides $10,000 to the 18-year-old student.
The players
Nationwide
This is a diversified insurance and financial services organization headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, that manages the eponymous hospital championship golf tournament.
Reese Shirey
She is an 18-year-old Liberty Union High School student from Baltimore, Ohio, who was recognized for her journey through leukemia.
The details
Reese Shirey, a student at Liberty Union High School who resides in Baltimore, Ohio, took the ceremonial opening shot at The Ohio State University Golf Club. Nationwide officials presented the scholarship immediately following the shot, which is known as the First Shot to Fight Cancer.
Timeline
The Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship tournament began in 2007.
Reese Shirey was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2019.
Reese Shirey achieved remission in 2021.
The scholarship was awarded during the golf tournament in September 2026.
Market Landscape
This event extends the long-standing charitable commitment established by the Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship's fundraising history. It reinforces the company's role as a primary driver of corporate social responsibility in the Columbus region.
The event highlights opportunities for local student support through corporate-sponsored scholarship programs. Residents may view the tournament as a contributor to the expanded capabilities and resources available at the local children's hospital.
The takeaway
Supporting long-term medical fundraising events helps ensure sustained care for patients in the community. Scholarships for survivors provide crucial financial pathways for students continuing their education after overcoming health challenges.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts in the Columbus Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WTTE.
