Verizon Heritage’s Birdies for Charity program has ballooned from a donation of $7,642 to $407,460 in 2007.

More than 40 local and statewide charitable organizations have benefited since the inception of this program. Birdies distribution has now reached $1.67 million.

Birdies for Charity is a completely volunteer program, with approved charitable organizations asking their supporters to pledge a small amount for each birdie made at the annual Verizon Heritage conducted over the Harbour Town Golf Links. The Heritage Classic Foundation allocates and distributes an additional $100,000 of the Foundation's charitable funds among the participating Birdies for Charities organizations.

Some of the local charities benefiting this year from the Birdies program are Hilton Head Heroes, Hilton Head Humane Association, The Children’s Center and Second Helpings. Other major benefactors are Alzheimer’s Respite and Resource, and Family Honor.