The Regions Charity Classic presented by Bruno’s Supermarkets announced that Birdies for Charity raised more than $130,000 in its inaugural year as a tournament fundraiser. The tournament, which is held annually in Hoover, Ala., launched Birdies for Charity in February of 2008, and 93 charities participated throughout the state.
“The initial concept for introducing Birdies for Charity was to further increase the amount of charitable funds donated from the tournament foundation each year, and we’re ecstatic to see the results,” said Sabrina Butler, tournament director for the Regions Charity Classic. “We’re looking forward to increasing the number of charities involved and the amount of money raised each year.”
The primary goal of participating organizations is to successfully solicit and collect pledges of $.02 or more from the general public and corporate donors based on birdies made by the Champions Tour players during tournament week. Flat donations of $10 or more are also accepted by participating charities. Administrative and promotional costs for the program are completely covered by the Regions Charity Classic Foundation.
To create additional excitement for the program, the tournament conducted a “Bonus Bucks” competition among the participating charities. Additional funds, provided by the tournament’s foundation, are given to the top three charities raising the most money. First place receives a 100% match up to $10,000, second place receives a 100% match up to $5,000 and third place receives a 100% match up to $2,500.
The third incentive of this multi-level fundraising program is a “Guess the Birdies” contest. Each participant who committed to a minimum pledge or donation could enter the contest by attempting to guess the number of birdies made by the Champions Tour players during the event. More than 1,350 individuals participated in the contest, and Regina Meyer of Birmingham, Ala., was the only contestant to guess 738 – the correct number of birdies made. Ms. Meyer won a 7-day cruise to Bermuda provided by Norwegian Cruise Line.
To become involved in the Birdies for Charity program, organizations must have 501(c) 3 status as recognized by the IRS. Organizations who participate in the Birdies for Charity program can still apply for annual funds from the Regions Charity Classic Foundation. The deadline to apply for 2008 tournament funding is August 31, 2008. The total amount raised from the 2008 tournament, including funds raised from Birdies for Charity, will be announced near the end of 2008. For more information on Birdies for Charity, as well as a list of participating charities to date, go to www.regionscharityclassic.com/birdies/make-a-pledge.php.
About the Regions Charity Classic
The 2008 Regions Charity Classic presented by Bruno’s Supermarkets was held May 14-18 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Ross Bridge in Hoover, Ala. Andy Bean earned his second career Champions Tour victory edging Loren Roberts by a stroke and finishing with a 203, -13. Additional participating players included Bernhard Langer, Hale Irwin, Tom Kite, Ian Woosnam, Scott Hoch, Ben Crenshaw, Jerry Pate, Brad Bryant and many other great names. In its 17-year history, the tournament has surpassed $10 million in charitable donations. Please visit www.regionscharityclassic.com for more information.
