Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the H-E-B Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust has raised another record-breaking amount to support Texas nonprofits – $17.3 million.
In partnership with more than 600 contributing companies, the organization holds one of the largest annual charitable events in the nation. Since 1986, more than $194 million has been raised through the golf tournament, supporting hundreds of nonprofits that focus on the needs of children and families in the Lone Star State.
From June 4-6, H-E-B employees and nonprofits, as well as vendors and suppliers, gathered in San Antonio for the H-E-B Tournament of Champions. As part of the effort, nearly 2,000 attendees volunteered at seven San Antonio-area nonprofits, making the day-of-service among the largest one-day charitable activities in the city.
“We are grateful for the commitment and generosity of suppliers and vendors who have helped strengthen communities across Texas for the last 40 years,” said Winell Herron, H-E-B SVP of public affairs, diversity and environmental affairs.
“Together, we have achieved another remarkable milestone, supporting the vital work of our amazing nonprofit partners.”
The Tournament of Champions was established in 1986 to raise funds for Special Olympics Texas. That first year, it raised $38,000. Since then, the charitable trust has continued to support the nonprofit while expanding its giving to hundreds of organizations across the state.
To recognize its commitment to Special Olympics Texas and celebrate its 40th anniversary, the H-E-B Tournament of Champions gave Special Olympics Texas an additional $250,000 in memory of Chuck Hendryx, tournament founder.
The H-E-B Tournament of Champions and H-E-B also partnered with Homes for Our Troops to provide a mortgage-free, fully furnished home to a wounded military veteran and his family.
The home, which also is stocked with food and supplies, is adapted to make the layout more accessible, including wider hallways, lower countertops, automatic doors and a roll-in shower.
This year’s home recipient is Army Sgt. 1st Class Rudy Velasquez, who sustained combat-related injuries, including traumatic brain injury and significant vision loss, during his second tour in Afghanistan in 2012.
Velasquez and his family were presented with the keys to their new home during a dedication ceremony. Since 2013, the H-E-B Tournament of Champions and H-E-B, through its Operation Appreciation Homes Built for Heroes program, has dedicated 55 mortgage-free homes to severely wounded veterans.
In addition, the H-E-B Tournament of Champions partnered with Folds of Honor, a nonprofit that provides education scholarships to children of fallen and disabled military veterans. They provided $20,000 in scholarships, with each of Velasquez’s four children receiving $5,000.
The H-E-B Tournament of Champions also held multiple volunteer activities across San Antonio that benefit local nonprofits. These projects have become a mainstay of the three-day event.
For this year’s day of service, the H-E-B Tournament of Champions hosted seven charity work sites to support Arc of San Antonio, Madonna Center, San Antonio River Foundation, San Antonio Food Bank, United Way Eastside Resource Center and Home for Our Troops. Volunteers helped these organizations with renovation projects, children’s activities and beautification efforts.
Nonprofits in Texas seeking support for their organization can apply for funding from H-E-B Tournament of Champions at hebtoc.com.
[RELATED: H-E-B Celebrates Grand Opening Of Melissa, TX Store]