Sony Open helps distribute $1.1 million to charity

text size

HONOLULU, HAWAII -- Friends of Hawaii Charities, Inc., today celebrated its 10th anniversary by distributing a record $1,097,000 in grants to more than 140 Hawaii not-for-profit organizations. These charities primarily serve Hawaii's children, women, elderly and those in need.

The funds were primarily raised through the Friends' flagship fund-raising event -- the Sony Open in Hawaii PGA TOUR golf tournament held annually at Waialae Country Club in January. The tournament also celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. Its charity partner, The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Inc., provides matching funds for each dollar raised by the Friends at the Sony Open. Other fund-raising events include the Champions Tour Turtle Bay Championship, the LPGA Tour's SBS OPEN at Turtle Bay and Fields Open tournaments. The Friends Club, an annual membership program, that supports the Friends of Hawaii Charities annual "Drive to $Million" also contributed to today's charity distributions.

"We are grateful for the commitment of our title sponsor Sony Corporation, our charity partner The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Inc., sponsors and volunteers," said Anthony R. Guerrero, Jr., President, Friends of Hawaii Charities. "Through their support, this is the fourth consecutive year that we have met or exceeded our $1 million charity distributions goal. We are proud to contribute to the success of Hawaii's grass-roots community programs as well as larger established programs."

The 2009 Sony Open In Hawaii PGA TOUR tournament is scheduled January 12-18 at Waialae Country Club with a purse of $5,400,000 and a first prize of $972,000. K.J. Choi of South Korea is scheduled to defend his title. The one-week tournament showcases Hawaii to a global audience, reaching more than 450 million homes in over 200 countries. For more information about the Sony Open, please visit www.sonyopeninhawaii.com.