Bi-Lo Charity Classic Raises More than $4.5 Million

MAULDIN, S.C. -- The 2005 Bi-Lo Charity Classic, held June 13 the Upstate of South Carolina, was a record-breaker, according to Bi-Lo. The supermarket chain said it has raised over $4.5 million in this year's 22nd annual golf event, breaking the tournament's record of $3.7 million set last year.

Recognized as the nation's largest one-day benefit golf tournament, the Bi-Lo Charity Classic hosted more than 1,300 golfers for the weekend's events. The tournament raises funds for charitable organizations in four of the states where Bi-Lo operates: South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.

"The money we raise significantly impacts all of the communities in which we operate, so we're really thrilled," said Dean Cohagan, Bi-Lo's president and c.e.o., in a statement. "Needs continue to increase each year, and so we try to step up our giving."

During a year in which the chain has a new owner as well as a new long-term plan that involves divesting a number of locations, Cohagan expressed appreciation to the vendors that supported the tournament at unprecedented levels. "Our team at Bi-Lo considers this a strong vote of confidence in our future," Cohagan said.

Founded in 1984 as a fundraiser for Meals On Wheels of Greenville, Bi-Lo's annual golf tournament has raised more than $28 million since its inception, placing funding emphasis on hunger relief programs, children's charities, and education.

In addition to corporate grants, each Bi-Lo supermarket receives $1,000 from tournament proceeds to assist a charity in their community. For the second time this year, the stores also had a local campaign asking customers to donate $1 to their charity. Bi-Lo supermarkets raised more than $500,000 with the scan donations, all of which will stay in their own communities.

Headquartered in Mauldin, S.C., Bi-Lo/Bruno's operates 422 supermarkets in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi.
X
This ad will auto-close in 10 seconds