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SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- The Valero Texas Open has raised $8 million for charity, achieving its goal to surpass the total raised by the 2006 Valero Texas Open, which, at the time, was the most money raised for charity by an event on the PGA TOUR.

Jason Bohn plays with children at the Respite Care in San Antonio, Texas. (Grayson/WireImage)

"We're very pleased that we've been able to raise such a tremendous amount of money for children's charities," said Valero Executive Vice President for Marketing and Supply Joe Gorder, who is heading up Valero's efforts in this year's tournament.

"Thanks to our sponsors and business partners, we have once again positioned ourselves to be among the top fundraising events on the PGA TOUR. And ,of course, none of it would be possible without the dedication of the hundreds of volunteers who have helped plan and run these events. Everyone can be very proud of their efforts and of the difference they're going to make in the lives of countless children through the funds they've raised."

Funds for charity are raised through the sponsorships sold during the Valero Texas Open and the Valero Benefit for Children Golf Classic. A record-breaking 2,200 participants will be playing golf on nine San Antonio-area courses at this year's Benefit for Children Golf Classic, which takes place on Oct. 8.

Funds raised will benefit children's charities in all the communities where Valero has operations throughout the U.S., Canada and Aruba. Valero employees nominate and choose each of the children's charities that benefit from the events.

Children at the Respite Care enjoy their cookies after Jason Bohn helped the youngsters decorate the treats during the PGA TOUR's Player Charity Visit for the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio, Texas. (Grayson/WireImage)

Golf San Antonio (GSA), which organizes the Valero Texas Open, raises charitable dollars through its pro-am events, the Birdies for Charity program in which nonprofit organizations solicit pledges for every birdie made during tournament week, and the Chip In for Schools program that allows schools to sell discounted tournament tickets and keep all the proceeds.

"After making a record-setting donation in 2006, the Valero Texas Open couldn't be more thrilled to have increased our giving in 2007 so significantly. With the support of Valero, their business partners and the San Antonio community, the Valero Texas Open is changing people's lives for the better. We couldn't be prouder," said Tom Stephenson, volunteer chairman of the Valero Texas Open and president and publisher of the San Antonio Express-News.

The Valero Texas Open begins Thursday and runs through Sunday at the Westin La Cantera Resort. Tickets to the tournament can be purchased through schools participating in the Chip In for Schools program by calling (210) 345-3818, or by going online at www.golfsanantonio.org. Those purchasing tickets directly from Golf San Antonio can select a participating school to receive the funds.

Additionally, tickets can be purchased for $15 at area Valero Corner Stores. Tickets can also be purchased at the tournament gate for $20. Children (17 and under) and spectators with a valid student or military ID will receive free admission.