BI-LO CHARITY CLASSIC RAISES OVER $4.5 MILLION

BI-LO CHARITY CLASSIC RAISES OVER $4.5 MILLION

Record-breaking amount raised for local charities
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MAULDIN, SC – The 2005 BI-LO Charity Classic has raised over $4.5 million in this year’s 22nd annual golf event, which took place on June 13 in the Upstate of South Carolina. This breaks 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 1300 golfers for the weekend’s events. The tournament raises funds for charitable organizations in 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 CEO. "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," said Cohagan.

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. Meals on Wheels organizations in all four states that BI-LO serves receive funding from the Charity Classic, helping these groups serve over 14,000 meals to the elderly and disabled every day of the year.

In addition to corporate grants, each BI-LO supermarket receives $1000 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 over $500,000 with the scan donations, all of which will stay in their own communities.

Headquartered in Mauldin, SC, BI-LO/Bruno’s operates 422 supermarkets in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida and Mississippi and employs approximately 30,000 Associates.