FROM STAFF REPORTS

Birdies for Charity has kicked off in advance of the 2012 Regions Tradition at Shoal Creek.

Charities have started signing up to participate in this year’ program and donations are being collected. The 2012 Birdies for Charity program is working to increase charity participation from 165-to-250 charities and raise $300,000 to be donated to local charities.

The primary goal of participating organizations in the Birdies for Charity program is to successfully solicit and collect pledges of $.02 or more from the general public and corporate donors based on birdies made by the Champions Tour players during the tour’s major championship tournament June 6-10.

Flat donations of $15 or more are also accepted by participating charities. Administrative and promotional costs for the program are completely covered by the Regions Tradition.
In 2011, the Birdies for Charity program raised more than $260,000 for charity.

Vestavia Hills Athletic Association won first place in the Bonus Bucks contest and raised a total of $72,000. The “Bonus Bucks” competition provides additional funds, which are given to the top 10 charities raising the most money.

The Regions Tradition announced that this year Red Diamond is the proud sponsor of the Birdies for Charity “Bonus Bucks.” Red Diamond will award $30,000 to be shared in proportion to the top 10 charities that collect the most money.

First place receives a 100 percent match up to $10,000, second place receives a 100 percent match up to $7,500, third place receives a 100 percent match up to $5,000 and fourth place receives a 100 percent match up to $2,500.

Sixth, seventh and eight places receive an additional $1,000 and ninth and 10th place receive $500 each.

Any 501(c) 3 organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service may participate in the Birdies for Charity program. In addition, schools and athletic booster programs are encouraged to participate.

For more information and to register, visit Regionstradition.com/birdies-for-charity.php or call Jess Heppenstall at (205) 967-4745, ext. 175.