2010 Bi-Lo Charity Classic Raises More Than $4.5 Million For Non-Profits Across Southeast

GREENVILLE, S.C. -  As the 27th annual BI-LO Charity Classic came to a close tonight, BI-LO Charities announced that this year's tournament raised a total of $4,515,236 to aid non-profit organizations across Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee that contribute to children's needs, education and hunger relief.

"This is a great accomplishment for BI-LO and BI-LO Charities.  Everyone who had a hand in the success of year's tournament should feel very good," said BI-LO President and CEO Michael Byars.  "The support we have received from our supplier partners and members of the community has been overwhelming, and we look forward to seeing these funds make a lasting, positive impact in the communities BI-LO serves."

Funds were raised through corporate sponsorships of the golf tournament, auction and product sales, and donations by BI-LO customers. 

"By generously adding only $1 to their grocery bill in support of local charities, customers collectively, donated nearly $640,000 to date," said BI-LO Senior Vice President of Store Operations and Co-chairman of the BI-LO Charity Classic Anthea Jones.  "A commitment to meet the needs of our communities is seen in our stores everyday.  Both our customers and our Teammates understand that importance."

The 2010 BI-LO Charity Classic golf tournament took place on a dozen of Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina's most prestigious golf courses as well as the BMW Performance Center.  Nearly 1,200 golfers and their guests traveled from across the country to participate in this one-of-a-kind event.  While the golf tournament itself takes place on a single day, the Charity Classic provides a full weekend of festivities.  On Friday, First Tee Chapters from Spartanburg and Greenville, S.C., participated in the fourth annual First Tee Invitational, presented by the BI-LO Charity Classic.  Charity Classic guests were also treated to an auction and pairings party as well as an awards banquet at the Hartness Estate in Greenville, S.C.  For more information about the BI-LO Charity Classic and the organizations that it supports, visit www.bi-locharities.org.

About the BI-LO Charity Classic

The BI-LO Charity Classic began in 1983 as a fundraiser for Meals on Wheels of Greenville and has grown to be the largest one-day charity golf tournament in the country.  During the past 27 years the tournament has raised more than $52.5 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 children's needs, education and hunger relief.