HOUSTON & TEXAS CITY, TX — Like so many prominent events across the country, the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the Valero Texas Open, but it didn’t stop the tournament’s legacy of giving back.
Tournament sponsors, individual donors and business partners came together and contributed more than $14 million in net proceeds towards this year’s Valero Benefit for Children, benefitting charitable organizations across the United States, including right here in the Houston/Galveston area.
Valero’s Houston & Texas City Refineries distributed $1.1 million in funding to local charities with funds raised through the Valero Energy Foundation and the 2020 Valero Texas Open and Benefit for Children.
“We know that many in our community are struggling due to the pandemic,” said Cory Moss, Vice President and General Manager of the Valero Texas City Refinery, “These non-profit organizations are faced with increased needs for services and dwindling donations. Valero understands how important it is to continue supporting them and the work they do for children in our community, and is proud to continue our support.”
Funding was awarded to organizations engaged on the front lines of the fight against the effects of COVID-19 and its economic impacts. Projects were selected that worked in the areas of food insecurity, advocacy for abused and neglected children, mental health, healthcare needs, educational support, and others.
Some notable projects include:
- $100,000 to support Target Hunger’s emergency food distributions in Houston’s East End and Northeast neighborhoods
- $75,000 to provide laptops, hotspots, and other essential technology for students at YES Prep’s East End Campus
- $75,000 to the Salvation Army of Galveston County to provide after school care and tutoring for students in Texas City
- $75,000 to enhance the Galveston Food Bank’s ability to reach hungry families facing food insecurity
“This is really positive news for our local nonprofit organizations, many of whom are facing challenges as a result of the pandemic,” said Rob Moore, Vice President and General Manager of the Valero Houston Refinery. “We are proud to partner with our sponsors and our friends to raise the necessary funds to support these life-saving services for children in our area.
The 2020 Valero Benefit for Children local recipients are:
Galveston County Area
- Child Advocates of Galveston County
- Dickinson ISD Foundation
- Family Service Center of Galveston County
- Galveston County Food Bank
- M.I. Lewis Social Service Center
- Resource and Crisis Center of Galveston County
- Salvation Army of Galveston County
- Santa Fe Education Foundation
- Texas City ISD Foundation for the Future
- The Children’s Advocacy Center
“We are blessed by our long-standing relationships with our tournament and Benefit for Children top sponsors,” said Joe Gorder, Valero Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We are stronger together.”
