Valero Texas Open
Contents:
We Moved!A Look Back: Night to Honor Our Heroes
$4.2 M Distributed Through Birdies for Charity Sponsor Spotlight
VTO on the Go  
We Moved!
We moved! Earlier this week the PGA TOUR unveiled a revamped tournament schedule for next season, providing an exciting change for players and fans as they are able to engage in – and better follow – a cadence of events highlighted by significant championships every month and culminating with the FedExCup Playoffs in August. As we begin a new chapter in the rich and storied history of the Valero Texas Open – with a date preceding the Masters Tournament for the next decade – we look forward to delivering world-class PGA TOUR action and excitement to the San Antonio community as we further our charitable mission.

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$4.2 M Distributed Through Birdies for Charity
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The third-annual Birdies Breakfast of Champions took place Friday, June 29th at The Rustic. Representatives from over 250 organizations -- charities and program sponsors -- from San Antonio, Austin and Corpus Christi attended the event as funds raised through the eight month-long Birdies for Charity campaign were distributed to the 173 participating agencies. Based on the generous support from donors giving above their commitment amounts, $4.067M was contributed and exceeded 100.04% of the fundraising total commitment.

The Birdies for Charity® campaign is a charitable initiative organized and supported by the Valero Texas Open, providing over 240 charity organizations throughout the greater San Antonio community and beyond with a fun and unique fundraising platform. The charities also received incentives like the 7% Matching Gift, which totaled over $220,000 – bringing the grand total distributed to charities to $4.27M from the 2018 fundraising campaign.

Individuals who made pledges or monetary contributions to Birdies for Charity had the chance to participate in the Donor Attendance Contest provided by the Valero Texas Open.

DONOR ATTENDANCE CONTEST

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At the conclusion of the Birdies Breakfast of Champions, Donor Attendance contest winner Billy Teeter was surprised with the keys to his new Ford Mustang.
As has become a Birdies for Charity tradition, donors who attend at least one day of the Valero Texas Open (Thursday-Sunday) were entered into a grand prize drawing to win a two-year lease on a brand-new 2018 Ford Mustang courtesy of South Texas Ford Dealers.

At the conclusion of the Birdies Breakfast of Champions, representatives from South Texas Ford Dealers together with the Valero Texas Open surprised Billy Teeter with the keys to his new Ford Mustang.

“I just can’t believe it! When I told my wife over the phone the good news she didn’t believe me. This is a huge surprise” explained Teeter, who made a contribution to Morgan’s Wonderland by attending the Valero Texas Open and making a contribution onsite through Birdies for Charity.

By winning the Donor Attendance contest, Teeter also earned Morgan’s Wonderland an additional contribution of $20,000 from the Valero Texas Open.

Ron Morander, General Manager for Morgan’s Wonderland attended the Breakfast of Champions and was so moved by the surprise contribution awarded through this contest.

“This means so much and will do great things for our park and the families that attend Morgan’s Wonderland,” said Morander.

Birdies for Charity, thanks to its corporate supporters, is able to deliver 100% of all funds raised to participating organizations. Please visit www.ValeroTexasOpen.com to learn more about the Valero Texas Open and its Birdies for Charity program.

The next edition of the Valero Texas Open is scheduled to take place April 1-7, 2019 at TPC San Antonio.

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VIEW MORE PHOTOS

VTO on the Go
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Big travel plans coming up? Make sure to bring your Valero Texas Open gear with you to participate in our new photo challenge, VTO on the Go!

Here’s how it works:

1.StarTake a photo of yourself or anyone wearing VTO gear (hat, shirt, jacket, etc.)
2.StarPost that photo on Facebook or Instagram - don’t forget to include your location
3.StarTag us (@valerotxopen) and use #VTOontheGo
How far will VTO fans travel over the rest of the summer? We will be sharing our favorites each week and will randomly award prizes to participants. Make sure to follow our Facebook and Instagram pages to keep up with VTO on the Go!

To kick off the photo challenge, we want to offer a discount to get some new VTO gear. Use Promo code VTOONTHEGO for 25% off our online store – offer good through July 31.

SHOP NOW

A Look Back: Night to Honor Our Heroes
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Jum Furyk shared stories of his experiences representing his country and what it meant to be the 2003 U.S. Open Champion.
With over 1,100 guests comprised of active and veteran military representing all ranks and branches, wounded veterans, and corporate partners, the ninth annual Night to Honor Our Heroes presented by Wells Fargo filled the JW Marriott’s Grand Oaks Ballroom to capacity.

During the program, Wells Fargo and Military Warriors Support Foundation presented a mortgage-free home to Ramon Leija. Wells Fargo also presented a payment-free vehicle to the Military Warrior Support Foundation’s Skills4Life program. The highlights of the evening were featured speaker Colonel Leon “Lee” Ellis, USAF (Ret), and special guest 2018 U.S. Ryder Cup Team Captain, PGA TOUR professional and fan favorite, Jim Furyk.

Colonel Ellis flew 68 combat missions with 53 over North Vietnam before being shot down and captured as a prisoner of war for more than five years alongside John McCain. After repatriation he returned to flying duties in addition to serving as a T-38 instructor, flight commander and section commander at Moody AFB GA and Randolph AFB TX.

The evening’s host and lead anchor for Golf Channel & NBC Sports, Steve Sands, welcomed Jim Furyk, seventeen-time PGA TOUR winner and major champion, to the stage for an insightful conversation; sharing stories of his experiences representing his country in Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup competitions and what it meant to be the 2003 U.S. Open Champion. Furyk was also the 2016 Payne Stewart Award recipient.

Others participating in the program included:

StarPresentation of Colors by Joint Base San Antonio
StarNational Anthem performed by SSG Nikita Fox, USA
StarDrill team presentation by Theodore Roosevelt High School Armed Drill Team
StarActive military perspective was shared by Lieutenant General Jeffrey S. Buchanan
StarCommander, United States Army North and Senior Commender; Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis

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Click here to watch the Night to Honor Our Heroes highlight video.

Sponsor Spotlight
Sponsor
Dripping Springs Distilling, home of award winning Dripping Springs Vodka and Gin micro-distills in small batches in proprietary 50-gallon copper pot stills. Each product is finished with pure, mineral rich Hill Country Artesian Spring Water. Dripping Springs Vodka won Gold Best in Class and The Vodka Purity Trophy at The International Wine & Spirits Competition in 2008. It is the only North American vodka to win this award in 49 years of the competition. It was also named Best of 2017 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine last year, with a rating of 93.

www.drippingspringsvodka.com
Sponsor
As a second generation family owned and operated business, Parrish & Company has served Texas as a leading resource for fine home products and exceptional customer service for 45 years. Our showrooms include appliances, cabinetry, countertops, fireplaces, garage doors, windows, outdoor kitchens, and more - all produced by leading manufacturers. Whether you are a homeowner, remodeling company or builder, your vision is our passion, and we appreciate the opportunity to earn your partnership and trust.

www.parrishandcompany.com