The Heritage Classic Foundation enjoyed another record-breaking year. During a luncheon, sponsored by The Sea Pines Resort, Chairman of the Charities' Committee John Curry distributed $1.2 million to 75 charitable organizations. Those grants brought the total amount distributed from the 2008 Verizon Heritage to $1,763,000 and the 21-year total to nearly $18,500,000.

The Birdies for Charity program, only in its 9th season, also enjoyed a record year. Including this year's total of $405,900, Birdies distribution has now reached $2,076,460.  In 2008, 1,312 birdies were made by PGA TOUR Professionals at the Verizon Heritage.

More than 40 local and statewide charitable organizations have benefited since the inception of this program. Birdies for Charity is a completely volunteer program, with approved charitable organizations asking their supporters to pledge a small amount for each birdie made during the Verizon Heritage.

The Heritage Classic Foundation allocates and distributes an additional $100,000 of the Foundation's charitable funds among the participating Birdies for Charities organizations.

Thirteen more outstanding Beaufort County seniors were named Heritage Classic Foundation Scholars. Twelve of the awards have a $17,000 value over the next four years of college, provided the student maintains the necessary criteria. An additional grant honoring the Foundation's first Scholar Chairman, the late Mike Malanick, has a $21,000 value.

The Heritage Classic Foundation initiated this program in 1993 and sponsors twelve of the awards. The Hilton Head Golf Professional's Association sponsors the other award, called the Island Cup Award. A luncheon honoring the scholars is sponsored by Palmetto Electric Cooperative, Inc.

During the 2006-2007 school year, 48 Beaufort County collegians will be receiving grants at an expenditure of $171,000. Since the Scholar program began, the Heritage Classic Foundation's total distribution is $1,311,000.