Aurora, SD November 9th, 2017 – The Valero Energy Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Valero Energy Corporation, today presented checks totaling $35,000 to representatives of 5 area children’s charities, from funds raised by the 2017 Valero Texas Open and Benefit for Children.
Overall, and with the overwhelming support of Valero’s business partners and sponsors, the 2017 Valero Texas Open in April raised a record $11 million to be distributed to children’s charities throughout the United States where Valero has major operations. The event at TPC San Antonio and the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa raised the most charity dollars of any tourney on the PGA TOUR this year.
“For agency representatives with us today, we want you to know how much we appreciate the work you do in our community to improve children’s lives,” said Brian Brinkman, Plant Manager of the Valero Aurora Ethanol Plant, on behalf of the foundation. “All of us still face an uncertain economy, so it gives us even more joy to be able to support the children of our area once again.”
With this year’s result, Valero has raised more than $122 million since becoming title sponsor in 2002, and 2 years the tournament became one of only four PGA TOUR events to eclipse $100 million. As title sponsor, Valero was the fastest to reach that mark, in just 14 years. Agencies selected to receive Benefit for Children dollars each year are nominated and selected by Valero employees.
“Our process, from start to finish, is driven by our employees,” Plant Manager Brinkman said. “It reflects the respect they have for agencies making the most impact on children’s lives each year.”
The 2017 Valero Benefit for Children local recipients are:
- Brookings County Youth Mentoring Program
- Brookings Interagency Council-Brookings Area Camp Adventure
- Great After School Place-GAP
- Project Joy
- Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Dakota
About Valero Energy Foundation
Valero Energy Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Valero Energy Corporation, is committed to improving the quality of life in the communities where the company has major operations. The foundation provides funding to a variety of nonprofit agencies for programs and services supporting education, basic human needs, health care and civic projects. Annually, Valero, its employees and the foundation collectively generate more than $40 million in charitable support for worthy charities through direct donations or fundraising. Additionally, Valero employees log more than 138,000 volunteer hours each year for hundreds of projects in these same communities. Through the overwhelming support of its sponsors, the foundation raised $11 million in 2017 for children’s charities across the United States through the Valero Texas Open and Benefit for Children. Valero once again was named to the Civic 50 list by Points of Light as one of America’s most community-minded companies – the top energy company on the list for three years running.