History
BI-LO Charities, Inc. was formed to manage BI-LO’s extensive charitable giving initiatives, including the annual BI-LO Charity Classic golf tournament. The BI-LO Charity Classic was established in 1984, under the leadership of three local businessmen: Bill Yingling, Dean Anderson, and Larry Greer. The tournament was initially organized by BI-LO, as the hometown grocery store, to support Greenville’s Meals on Wheels hunger relief program. In 1984, approximately $30,000 was raised, and over the past 28 years, more than $58 million has been generated to support hundreds of charitable organizations. By 1998, the tournament had become so large that a separate charitable organization, BI-LO Charities, Inc., was formed. Today, funds raised through the BI-LO Charity Classic are awarded to hundreds of charities that assist children in need, support education programs, and address hunger within BI-LO communities.
In addition to the BI-LO Charity Classic, BI-LO Charities manages several other philanthropic projects. Such projects include: Walter’s Produce Sale, Habitat for Humanity Build, Community-built Playground, and the Susan G. Komen Race via Sponsorship. BI-LO Charities also coordinates the following activities: Hunger Relief Programs, BI-LO’s United Way Campaign, Sippin’ Safari, and numerous other community appeals, as requested.
It is through the activities, events, and community requests listed above, that BI-LO Charities, Inc. is able to fulfill its mission. BI-LO Charities is fortunate to have outstanding community partnerships, vendor support, volunteers, and Teammates to aid it in the quest to give thousands of people a bigger, brighter future.