Publix Donation Climbs to $1.6 Million in ‘08
 

The Seventh Annual Publix Golf Classic, held April 14 at Ginn’s Reunion Resort, brought Publix Super Markets’ 2008 contributions to Special Olympics Florida up to nearly $1.6 million!

The tournament became the most successful charity golf tournament in Special Olympics Florida’s history, raising approximately $400,000! The funds generated will benefit the 15,000 athletes participating in Special Olympics Florida.

With the generous support of Ginn Resorts, the annual charity tournament was held at the beautiful Reunion Resort (Kissimmee) this year… The field of 256 golfers got to play not one, but two challenging courses: 9 holes on the Arnold Palmer designed “Legacy” course and 9 holes on the Tom Watson designed “Independence” course.

Held just 3 days before the start of the Ginn OPEN, tournament players had the rare opportunity of getting to play the same holes the world’s top LPGA players would conquer later that week!

In fact, reigning US Women’s Open Champion Cristie Kerr stopped by the tournament’s evening reception to share her appreciation for Special Olympics and to praise Publix and its vendor partners for their ongoing support of the organization.

After a day of world-class golf, the tournament was capped off by a “surf and turf” dinner, awards presentations and a speech by Publix associate and Special Olympics athlete Chris Friedman - which earned the evening’s only standing ovation.

This year’s winning team was Mike Rowan, Dan Vassalotti, Tom Edmiston and Brad Steele of Lindsay Olive Company / 4-C Foods Corp. (pictured below with Special Olympics athlete Chris Friedman and Special Olympics Florida President, Monty Castevens  - far right).

Special thanks to Special Olympics Florida’s Premier Sponsor Publix Super Markets; Tournament Honorary Chairman - Tom McLaughlin, Lakeland Division Vice President for Publix; Ginn Resorts; the staff of Reunion Resort; and the many vendors who supported this event!

See 2008 Publix Golf Classic photos!

The majority of the ’08 funds were raised through generosity Publix Super Markets’ customers, who contributed a remarkable $1,240,340 in just three weeks for Special Olympics Florida. Customers purchased paper torches for $1, $3 or $5, during the annual promotion, which ran during the month of January.

Publix presented the $1.24M check during a ceremony for the Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run on the steps of the State Capitol in Tallahassee…