SFM Charity Golf Classic Donates $325K to Local Charities

At the Southern Family Markets (SFM) 2nd Annual Charity Golf Classic’s recent Pairings Dinner, the company presented $325,000 in donation checks to eight local charities: United Way of Central Alabama, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), Lupus Foundation of America (LFOA), Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa (HFHT) and Children’s of Alabama (COA). This year’s list of recipients was double that of the 2011 lineup, including JDRF, LFOA, HFHT and COA.

“When this event was held last year, we were blown away by the amount raised through the generosity of our employees, vendors and partners,” said Max Henderson, president of Birmingham, Ala.-based SFM. “To see that amount more than tripled this year is extremely impressive.”

As well as funds raised through pledges and registration, silent and live auctions held during the dinner brought in additional dollars that will be spread throughout the communities in which SFM does business.

“This tournament serves as one of the main catalysts in raising money to give back to our communities,” added Henderson. “It’s our corporate responsibility to invest in the people and areas where we live and work each and every day.”

Along with the amount raised through fundraising; the number of participants has grown. Players teed off on three courses (up from last year’s one) May 17 at Bent Brook Golf Course and both Robert Trent Jones Oxmoor Valley Courses.

The logo of startup company Belle Foods, which has acquired SFM’s 57 stores, appears on many materials around the courses, as well as on the donation checks. Belle Foods president and CEO Bill White has said he would continue to support the tournament and local community, and his family’s experience with lupus was a factor in adding LFOA to the list of 2011 beneficiaries.

SFM comprises all Bruno’s, Food World and Southern Family Markets locations, as well as select Piggly Wiggly stores in Mississippi, Georgia and Alabama.