PGA TOUR announces 2008 Charity of the Year

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MORE: TOUR names 2008 Volunteer of the Year

The PGA TOUR announced Wednesday that Whaley Children's Center has been named the 2008 PGA TOUR Charity of the Year.

Whaley Children's Center serves abused and neglected children throughout the State of Michigan between the ages of 5 and 17. The Center teaches the children how to succeed as individuals, by providing continuity of care across all programs and supporting them with the resources so they can reach their potential. They provide a continuum of services to meet the social, emotional, ethical and academic needs of children and families. They encourage children and family relationships through support service, community education and advocacy.

"Congratulations to the Whaley Children's Center for being named the PGA TOUR Charity of the Year," said Tim Finchem, PGA TOUR commissioner. "The Whaley Children's Center provides many services and a nurturing environment for children in the Flint area, and is a worthy recipient of this award."

As the recipient as the 2008 PGA TOUR Charity of the Year, Whaley Children's Center will receive $30,000 towards its recreation program in 2009.

The Whaley Children's Center assists the Buick Open each year, operating the tournament's "will call" office.

"The Buick Open is proud to honor the Whaley Children's Center as the PGA TOUR Charity of the Year," said Buick Open tournament director Robb Grainger. "More importantly, it shines a light on the role and importance the Whaley Children's Center plays in assisting children in need in the Flint Community."

The Buick Open, Michigan's only PGA TOUR event, is annually played at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club in Grand Blanc Township south of Flint, the city where Buick was headquartered between 1903 and 1998. Besides stimulating the southeast Michigan economy and helping Buick market its new models, the Buick Open generates millions of dollars for charities. Many of the charitable organizations in turn provide volunteer help by handling such activities as transportation and ticket sales.

For more information on the Whaley Children's Center, go to whaleychildren.org.