Even In Tough Economy, 2009 BI-LO Charity Classic Raises More Than $4.3 MILLION
Media Contacts:
Elizabeth J. Baker
Erwin-Penland
864-672-3875
elizabeth.baker@erwinpenland.com
EVEN IN TOUGH ECONOMY, BI-LO CHARITY CLASSIC RAISES MORE THAN $4.3 MILLION
TO SUPPORT A MYRIAD OF LOCAL CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS
Charity Classic Funds to Provide Much-Needed Support for
Local Charities during These Hard Times
GREENVILLE, S.C. (June 24, 2009) — Even at a time when many businesses and individuals are having to tighten their belts, the 26th Annual BI-LO Charity Classic Golf Tournament, which was held from June 6-8 in Greenville, S.C., was able to raise more than $4.3 million through in-store fundraising and donations from dedicated suppliers, BI-LO Teammates and customers to help local charitable organizations.
BI-LO customers contributed to the success of the Charity Classic through in-store fundraising programs including purchasing paper golf balls, and the sales of Champ the Charity Bear teddy bears, World’s Finest Chocolate candy bars and participating Kellogg’s products.
“It is a great feeling when you join a team that works so hard to support those in need in the community. I have been involved with numerous charitable organizations throughout my career, but I have never seen one event fund so many worthy organizations. I am honored to be a part of this team and of this stellar event,” said Michael Byars, who joined BI-LO as president and CEO in February 2009.
This year’s BI-LO Charity Classic brought golfers from across the country to play some of the most esteemed golf courses in Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina, including Bright’s Creek, Champion Hills, Chanticleer at Greenville Country Club, the Cliffs at Glassy, the Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards, Green Valley, Kenmure, the Reserve at Lake Keowee, Thornblade and Riverside at Greenville Country Club.
Along with golf events, the Charity Classic featured a number of other activities for participants to enjoy. The evening of Saturday, June 6, top-level sponsors and BI-LO executives gathered for the annual President’s Party, which kicks off the tournament. Sunday evening, June 7, all participants and their guests came together for the Auction and Pairings Party. The live auction from this evening alone raised more than $160,000 and featured everything from a golf trip to Ireland to a newly released 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. After playing 18 holes on Monday, participants headed to the Awards Banquet, for trophy presentations to the top teams from each course.
“What can I say? We’re absolutely thrilled with these results. It will allow us to continue critical donations during these challenging economic times. We are extremely thankful to our tournament sponsors, to BI-LO Teammates and shoppers who showed support through their donations,” said Executive Director of BI-LO Charities Carol Browning.
Funding from the 2009 Charity Classic will be disbursed to non-profit organizations across BI-LO’s four-state operating region of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Grants are awarded to organizations that focus on BI-LO Charities’ three key initiatives of children, education and hunger relief.
“The Charity Classic is a unique event in the grocery industry. Everyone at BI-LO pitches in to ensure a successful event. We are grateful for the partnership created with our suppliers over the past 26 years and we are passionate about making a difference,” said Group Vice President of Center Store and Co-Chairman of the BI-LO Charity Classic Board of Directors Anthea Jones.
About the BI-LO Charity Classic
The BI-LO Charity Classic began in 1983 as a fundraiser for Meals on Wheels and has grown to be the largest one-day charity golf tournament in the country. During the past 25 years the tournament has raised more than $48 million to support hundreds of charities throughout BI-LO’s four-state operating area of South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. Funds from the Charity Classic go toward supporting organizations that focus on BI-LO Charities’ key initiatives, including children, education and hunger relief.
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