Charities get a $250k boost

FRIDAY, MAY 27: Eight charities received a total of $250,000 from the Ross ‘Blackie’ Talbot Charity Classic yesterday.

This year’s raffle and golf tournament exceeded the fundraising goal of $200,000 despite tough economic times.

Clement Talbot, chairman of the RBTCC management committee, said: “This year has proven to be one of our most challenging years in our 19-year history, as a result of the global recession and Bermuda’s weakened economy.

Challenging

“In spite of these formidable economic challenges, it gives me great pleasure to inform you that we not only met but exceeded our ambitious fundraising goal of $200,000.

“This achievement is to be attributed to the commitment we received from our tournament and raffle sponsors and the overwhelming support we received from the community for our grand raffle.

“As you all know, my father [Ross] always -envisioned ‘one Bermuda’ and a large part of that is what our theme this year was all about — protecting our community’s future. We also wanted to continue to encourage our youth to expand their -horizons.

“This year’s charity recipients not only meet the criteria to protect our wonderful community but some will also provide opportunities for our youth to realize their educational goals and dreams.

“It is for these reasons that the Committee selected these -charities.”

The recipients are the Bermuda Diabetes Association, $10,000; Bermuda National Trust, $34,000; Caron Bermuda, $30,000; Raleigh International, $42,000; Ross ‘Blackie’ Talbot Education Awards, $60,000; Ross ‘Blackie’ Talbot -Foundation, $10,000; Sunshine League Children’s Home, $32,000; Tomorrow’s Voices $32,000.

The RBTCC has raised more than $3 million in the past 19 years to assist more than 75 charities.

Through its scholarship funding, it has also helped more than 40 Bermudian students achieve their further education goals.

HSBC Bank Bermuda is the lead sponsor of the annual event.

But last month on his retirement, Mr Talbot announced that next year’s RBTCC may be the last.