Gary Player - The Legend

Gary Player to Participate in the 25th Annual BI-LO Charity Classic

Player and BI-LO Charities join forces to raise money for children’s causes

Gary Player and BI-LO Charities are sharing an important milestone; this is the 25th anniversary of the Gary Player Foundation, and it also happens to be the silver anniversary of the BI-LO Charity Classic, the nation’s largest single day charity golf tournament.

Both the Gary Player Foundation and BI-LO Charities award grants to community programs focused on children, making the partnership this year a natural fit.  BI-LO Charities has raised over $40 million during its 24-year history to support charitable organizations in the four states BI-LO serves – South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina.  Grand Slam golfer Gary Player, one of the most successful professionals in the history of the game, will be in Greenville June 6-8 to participate in the 25th annual BI-LO Charity Classic to help the charity achieve its goal of raising $5 million this year. 

“We are absolutely thrilled to have one of the greatest golfers of all time participating in the Silver Anniversary of the BI-LO Charity Classic,” said BI-LO President and CEO Brian Hotarek.  “This is particularly fitting because Gary Player has devoted much of his life to philanthropic efforts, and the BI-LO Charity Classic is all about raising money to help people in our communities who are in real need.”

Commented Gary Player from his thoroughbred racehorse stud farm in South Africa: “My involvement with The Cliffs over the last three years has really made me fond of the Carolinas, so I’m delighted to do my part for the local community, especially where children are concerned.  Speaking from experience, it’s not easy keeping a charity going for 25 years, so I respect BI-LO for the persistent efforts which have truly made a difference.”

The legendary “Black Knight” will provide a special treat to some young golfers from First Tee chapters from across South Carolina who will be participating in a special round of the BI-LO Charity Classic on Friday, June 6.  About 75 youngsters will have the opportunity to meet Player before they play a round at Verdae Greens.  First Tee, a cause that Gary Player has actively supported over the years, is dedicated to promoting character development and providing life-enhancing values to young people through the game of golf.

On the evening of June 7, Player will speak at the President’s Party, an event for major sponsors of the tournament which is held at the Hartness Estate.  The following day, four VIP businessmen will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play golf at Bright’s Creek Country Club with Gary Player.  On a later date, this foursome will be hosted by the Black Knight at his home course in Palm Beach, Florida, and will enjoy dinner with the Hall of Famer at his home on Jupiter Island.  On the evening of June 8, Player will participate in the BI-LO Charity Classic Pairings Party and Auction event, which traditionally raises over half a million dollars for the recipient charities. 

Player is equally renowned for his philanthropic work.  The Player Foundation was founded 25 years ago to provide quality education, nutrition, medical care and extracurricular activities to the less fortunate children living in rural areas of South Africa.  The Foundation’s mission today has expanded to provide quality education for underprivileged children and strengthen impoverished communities plagued by disease and crime across the world.  Through four Gary Player Invitational charity events staged in the U.S., Asia, Europe and South Africa, the Foundation raises millions of dollars each year for impoverished children globally.

BI-LO Charities has also had a profound impact on charitable causes in the communities that BI-LO serves.  Founded in 1984 as a fundraiser for Meals on Wheels of Greenville, BI-LO’s annual golf tournament has grown to benefit more than 500 organizations.  Last year’s record-breaking tournament, which raised more than $5 million, allowed BI-LO to distribute grants in three selected categories: elimination of hunger, children’s advocacy and education. Grocery suppliers from all over the country help make this event possible by their increased participation every year.

Nearly 1,400 golfers are expected to play in the 25th anniversary BI-LO Charity Classic on 14 prestigious golf courses in South and North Carolina.  Golf courses hosting the event are: Carolina Country Club, The Cliffs at Glassy, The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards, Chanticleer at Greenville Country Club, Riverside at Greenville Country Club, Cross Creek Plantation, Kenmure Golf Club, Green Valley Country Club, Musgrove Mill, Thornblade Club, Holly Tree Country Club, Cherokee Valley, The Reserve at Lake Keowee and Bright’s Creek.

www.BI-LOCharityClassic.com

« Back