By Jim Hulen, North Myrtle Beach Online.com
North Myrtle Beach, SC July 04, 2008 – The Tidewater Charity Tournament Committee announced in a kick-off reception, Tuesday, July 1, 2008, that North Strand Helping Hand and the Autism Advocate Foundation would be this year’s charity recipients.
Bill Pearson, foundation Chair, said, “Our goal for this year is to raise $35,000.”
This reflects the increasing growth the tournament has been able to achieve. Now in its fourth year, the tournament has progressively raised increasing amounts for charity. In its inaugural year, its goal was $2,500 and raised $5,000; the second year the goal was $20,000 and met that goal; and in its third year the goal was set at $30,000 and over $32,000 was raised.
Reflecting the prominence the tournament has gained, North Myrtle Beach Mayor and SC Senator Dick Elliot both spoke at the kick off.
Hatley said, “I am proud of the Tidewater community. It is one of the first communities to formally organize and step up to support local charities. This tournament just keeps growing and growing – eventually we are going to have to have buses shuttling people into the event.”
Elliott’s comments focused on the many giving organizations through the area that
raised money for charitable purposes.
Elliott said, “This is one of the most generous communities. You have selected two very fine charities. The North Strand Helping Hand has been here for generations and I am very familiar with the needs of the autistic. It takes over $70,000 a year to support each child’s special needs and I am proud to have been the primary sponsor of the Autism Bill to address this need.”
With the past success of the Tournament, many sponsors have returned year after year.
Pearson said, “At this point we have 44% of our budget raised.”
(continuing) - PM 5:00
8th Jul