"Birdies for Children” Fundraiser Flies to Success

More than $286,000 was raised for 70 South Florida charities in this year’s “Birdies for Children”, the fundraising program of the Honda Classic golf tournament.

Nearly 2,500 people donated funds to the charity of their choice for a chance to win a new Honda by guessing the total number of birdies in the 2011 Honda Classic. A strong wind the last two days of the tournament kept the birdie total to only 1,041, over 100 birdies less than 2010 and 2009. This curveball added to the competition between donors for the big prize.

Boys Town South Florida, a first-time participant in “Birdies for Children”, received $450 in donations from supporters hoping for the win. The nonprofit will receive these funds, plus an additional 10 percent from BIOMET 3i. “It’s great to see how an event that gets such national prestige is generous in supporting local South Florida charities,” said Noemi Coltea, Boys Town South Florida Development Director. “We are truly grateful for their support.”

With this being only the second year for the “Birdies for Children” program, tournament organizers are optimistic of its staying – and giving – power. “We saw great growth with the program [Birdies for Children] this year,” said Andrew George, who coordinated charity involvement. “I think this is an event we are going to see get bigger and better each year, especially for those charities involved.”

Thank you to all of you for supporting Boys Town South Florida and Birdies for Children! Get your guesses ready for next year and stay up-to-date at thehondaclassic.com/pages/birdies-for-children!