You might have noticed new banners along May River Road and Calhoun Street. With the 50th anniversary RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing right around the corner, we provide several locations to promote this event.
Even though this event is held in our neighboring town of Hilton Head Island, the support that our town gives and receives is incredible.
In terms of giving? Many of our residents volunteer during this exciting week of the tournament. At last count, more than a third of the volunteers you will see on the golf course are from Bluffton.
You also can’t miss the entire football team at Bluffton High volunteer to pick up trash and recycling. Our town also continues to rise in numbers of ticket purchasers.
In terms of receiving? Wow! In 2017, the Heritage Classic Foundation helped facilitate close to $2.9 million in donations, and the Champions Fore Charity produced more than $7.2 million for participating nonprofit groups. Bluffton nonprofits and charities were recipients of these donations.
Since 1993, 322 high school seniors have received more than $4.1 million for four-year college scholarships, and each year there are students from Bluffton. This year, of the 10 scholarships awarded, three students from Bluffton High and one student from May River High were part of this talented group.
I have the honor of sitting on the Scholar Committee. Reviewing more than 100 applications and being charged with narrowing it down to 15 students to interview is not an easy task.
This year, our very bright and talented students in Bluffton are: Matthew Porter from May River High, and Decker Paulmeier, Madeline Wallin and Elizabeth Rhoads from Bluffton High. Congratulations to these young people and all of the rest who now have additional funds to go on to college.
The mission of the Heritage Classic Foundation is to provide the highest quality PGA Tour golf tournament that generates significant economic impact and promotion for the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton area, the Coastal Empire and the state of South Carolina while generating funds for local charitable causes that enhance the quality of life of all.
If you have never been to the tournament, make this the year that you go and take advantage of a wonderful week of golf. There are opportunities to go out for practice rounds all the way to the weekend play. For those of you who go every year, thank you for participating and helping the Foundation give back to so many needed groups in our town.
Lisa Sulka is the mayor of the Town of Bluffton.
