During a check-presentation ceremony held this week at The Greenbrier, the classic American resort in White Sulphur Springs, officials of The Greenbrier Classic announced the results of the tournament’s first annual Volunteer Charitable Initiative Campaign. The program, which is a new part of the tournament’s established charitable vision, allows for 10 percent of each volunteer registration fee to be allocated amongst three different, predetermined charities. “Volunteers are the heart and soul of The Greenbrier Classic,” said owner and Tournament Chairman Jim Justice. “We are extremely proud of the more than 1,400 individuals each year who donate their time to the tournament. They play an essential role in every aspect of the event and are vital to our goal of raising charitable donations within the community.” For 2014, the designated charities are: Center in the Square, Mountaineer Autism Project (MAP) and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Blue Ridge Chapter. All tournament volunteers were provided an opportunity to vote for these charities. The group receiving the most votes is provided 70 percent of the fund, the second most votes 20 percent and the final charity 10 percent. A representative from each organization was on-hand during tournament week to explain their respective charities to the volunteers. MAP received the most votes and the 70 percent payout of $4,516. MAP is a nonprofit organization of parents of children with autism and professionals in the autism field. MAP’s goal is to have one voice in West Virginia dedicated to early autism detection, diagnosis, and early intensive behavioral intervention. For more information about MAT, including ways to donate, visit www.mountaineerautismproject.org. The 20 percent disbursement of $1,290 went to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Blue Ridge Chapter. The Blue Ridge Chapter works to raise funds for critical MS research and to improve the quality of life for people affected by MS in western Virginia, the state of West Virginia and seven counties in Kentucky. Visit www.nationalmssociety.org for donation information. Center in the Square, a unique home for regional arts and cultural organizations, which creates and drives opportunities that enhance education, economic development and quality of life, received a check for $645. For donation and general information about Center in the Square, visit www.centerinthesquare.org. [caption id="attachment_6731" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="https://mountainmedianews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2014/09/Greenbrier-charity-initiative1.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-6731" alt="Robert Bennett, Vice President, Grand Home Furnishings (left); Victoria Paul, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Blue Ridge Chapter; Julee Goodman, Center in the Square; Amy Boone, Mountaineer Autism Project; Monte Ortel, Executive Tournament Director, The Greenbrier Classic" src="https://mountainmedianews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2014/09/Greenbrier-charity-initiative1-300x240.jpg" width="300" height="240" /></a> Robert Bennett, Vice President, Grand Home Furnishings (left); Victoria Paul, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Blue Ridge Chapter; Julee Goodman, Center in the Square; Amy Boone, Mountaineer Autism Project; Monte Ortel, Executive Tournament Director, The Greenbrier Classic[/caption]
