Valero Texas Open kicks off annual Birdies for Charity fundraising campaign

Valero Texas Open is pleased to announce that one-hundred and forty-one (141) charities and schools from Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi and surrounding cities have registered to participate in the annual fundraising campaign, Birdies for Charity®, with more registrants still to come.

This past Wednesday, October 8, the Valero Texas Open hosted a kick-off breakfast at Valero Energy Corporation's headquarters filled with Board Members, Executive Directors, Principals, and Development Directors from local charities and schools participating in this wildly successful charitable tradition. Kick-off luncheons were also hosted last week in Austin and Corpus Christi to launch the 2015 fundraising campaign.

Birdies for Charity provides nonprofit organizations with an unique and engaging platform from which to solicit pledges for every birdie made during the Valero Texas Open tournament week or a flat, one-time donation while keeping 100% of the funds raised. Through the collective efforts of 140+ charities, Birdies for Charity raised more than $1.84M in 2014 - an increase of over $400,000 from 2013. The funds raised through Birdies for Charity contribute to the overall total of charitable funds raised through the Valero Texas Open and the Valero Benefit for Children Golf Classic, which raised $9 million in 2014.

Charity Incentives:
Based on the fundraising performance of participating organizations the Valero Texas Open has established several incentive programs which will award additional contributions to further their philanthropic and civic missions, including a 5% match to participating organizations that reach a minimum of $1,000 of collected funds.

At the kick-off events, Valero Texas Open representatives announced the all-new "12 Days of Giving" that will take place December 1-12. Ten lucky charities in attendance at the San Antonio kick-off, one from Corpus Christi and one from Austin will be participating in this new opportunity. On the charity's respective date, they will receive $5 proceeds from each Good-Any-One-Day ticket (retail $20 per ticket) sold online at www.ValeroTexasOpen.com. The Valero Texas Open will also match up to an additional $500 per charity and the charity that helps sell the most tickets on their given date will also be awarded a $2,500 bonus (with a minimum of 50 tickets sold). This new initiative not only provides charities an additional opportunity to raise funds, but allows ticket buyers to make the most of their holiday gift giving. Below is the list of lucky winners who will benefit from the "12 Days of Giving" program:

Dec. 1 - Kinetic Kids, Inc.
Dec. 2 - Converse Animal Shelter
Dec. 3 - Roy Maas' Youth Alternatives, Inc. (RMYA)
Dec. 4 - ACTS Missions
Dec. 5 - Soldiers' Angels
Dec. 6 - North Central Rotary Club Charity Fun
Dec. 7 - Reaching Maximum Independence, Inc.
Dec. 8 - Madonna Neighborhood Centers, Inc.
Dec. 9 - SA Youth
Dec. 10 - National Veterans Outreach Program
Dec. 11 - CASA of the Coastal Bend
Dec. 12 - Krause Children's Center

Donor Incentives:
Donors are encouraged to support their favorite cause through Birdies for Charity, allowing them to make a financial contribution to a charity close to their heart while having their contribution stretch further through the financial incentives the Valero Texas Open provides to participating organizations.

Guess the Birdies Contest: For added fun, donors can guess the number of birdies they think will be made during the Valero Texas Open through the "Guess the Birdies Contest" for a chance to win a Stay-and-Play Package compliments of JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa and TPC San Antonio.

Donor Attendance Incentive: Donors who make a donation prior to tournament week are encouraged to attend Thursday - Sunday and check in at the Charity Pavilion within the Gatorade Fan Fest, near the main gate entrance, to be entered into the drawing for a brand-new 2015 Ford Mustang. To help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mustang, South Texas Ford Dealers are graciously donating a two-year lease for this incredible prize.. Spectators that make a contribution onsite will also be entered into the drawing. When a donor attends all four days, the attendee will have four entries in the drawing.

By following these three simple steps, donors can maximize their participation and benefits of the program:
(1) Make a donation through Birdies for Charity: www.ValeroTexasOpen.com/Birdies
(2) Purchase a ticket to the Valero Texas Open: www.ValeroTexasOpen.com
(3) Attend the Valero Texas Open, March 26-29, and check in at the Charity Pavilion


Birdies for Charity officially launched its 2015 fundraising campaign on Friday, October 10, 2014. One-time donations and pledges are accepted online at www.ValeroTexasOpen.com/Birdies and through printed pledge forms provided to participating charities and schools.

Registration is still open for prospective charities and schools looking for no-cost fundraising opportunities, with 100% of the collected funds going back to their organization. To learn more about Birdies for Charity and the Valero Texas Open please visit www.ValeroTexasOpen.com.