Final Ross "Blackie" Talbot Charity Classic to be held next year

TUESDAY, DEC. 13: In an announcement today, Clement E.F. Talbot announced the charity recipients for the 20th and Final Ross “Blackie” Talbot Charity Classic, teeing off on Wednesday April 11th, 2012.

Mr. Clement E. F. Talbot, JP, Chairman of the Organising Committee, announced the recipients of the funds are those that are actively involved in Building a Healthy Future – Together.

The selected Charities that we are very proud to be able to assist with the benefit from the funds raised this year are:

EDUCATION

• Adult Education School

• Ross “Blackie” Talbot Education Awards

• The Ross “Blackie” Talbot Foundation

ENVIRONMENT

• Bermuda Zoological Society

HEALTH

• Bermuda Hospitals Charitable Trust

• P.A.L.S.

HERITAGE

• The Bermuda National Trust

YOUTH

• Bermuda Sloop Foundation

FAMILY

• Family Centre

SENIORS

• Age Concern (Bermuda)

• The Aerie Foundation

THE ARTS

• National Dance Foundation of Bermuda

• The Bermuda National Gallery

Mr. Talbot commented, “I say it every year because it’s true, it continues to simply amaze me how the Ross “Blackie” Talbot Charity Classic year after year maintains its success. This can be directly attributed to the commitment from our valued sponsors, Classic participants, our volunteers and of course my committee. Once again and despite the very challenging economic environment, each and every sponsor has demonstrated their incredible support, which I know is fully appreciated by all of Bermuda”.

Mr. Philip Butterfield, CEO HSBC Bank Bermuda Limited, Founding and Lead Sponsor of the event said, “It is remarkable that it has now been 20 years that our community has benefitted from the RBTCC. As Lead Sponsor, we are exceptionally proud to have participated in the Charity Classic since its inception. The theme, Building a Healthy Future – Together, is an appropriate one as the golf classic brings the community together for healthy competition and camaraderie. I am confident the selected Charities will use the raised funds to the benefit of our entire community. Congratulations to each of you!”

This year’s event, which starts with the RBT Hole In One competition on Saturday April 7th 2012 at Ocean View Golf Club, will be a great send off. This is followed by the Celebrity Pro Am to be held at Tucker’s Point Golf Club on Tuesday April 10th. The main event start at Riddell’s Bay Golf Club on Wednesday April 11th through April 13th and we go out with a bang with the Gala Banquet at the Fairmont Southampton on Saturday April 14th 2012. Themed Take a Bermuda Buggy Ride with Blackie, this promises to be an event not to be missed!

The annual event has raised in excess of $3 million over the last 19 years and has benefited more than 80 charities. This is due to the participation of hundreds of sponsors, volunteers, participants and the community at large that also support the ‘RBT Grand Raffle’.

As with previous years the 2012 GRAND Raffle once again will have over $120,000 in prizes! Prizes will include the luxurious Dodge Caliber Car, a 10 day Deluxe Cruise, BA First Class tickets, matched with a 3 night stay at the prestigious London Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel and many other exciting items such as local and international luxury hotel stays, jewelry, fine dining, golfing and shopping sprees. We will also be holding our very popular Weekly Pre Raffle Draws which start 7 weeks prior to the main Raffle Draw. As they say, “Watch this space” for the list of magnificent prizes that will be up for winning!

In closing Mr. Talbot said, “I would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the 100 plus corporate sponsors, our volunteers, the RBT Committee and the community in general who have continued to show their support year after year. We are of course very aware of the many other charitable causes in Bermuda as well as the difficult economic climate we are all facing, and so the generosity that all have demonstrated to the Ross “Blackie” Talbot Charity Classic over the past 20 years is indeed overwhelming”.