The H-E-B Tournament of Champions is one of the largest charitable events in the U.S. This year, it set a record for Texas charities with more than $10 million raised. The total raised in the 34 years the tournament has been held is more than $118 million.
From June 5-7, H-E-B partners (employees), vendors and suppliers gathered in San Antonio for the 34th Annual H-E-B Tournament of Champions. The event supports nonprofit organizations focused on the needs of children and families throughout the Lone Star State, supporting more than 600 organizations since the program started in 1986.
“This year, it was an honor to have raised more than $10 million, surpassing our intended goal,” said Winell Herron, H-E-B group VP of public affairs and diversity and environmental affairs. “For 34 years, the H-E-B Tournament of Champions has made such a positive impact on the lives of children and families across the state. Investing in people and our communities is what the H-E-B Tournament of Champions is all about and we’re able to accomplish that with support from some amazing vendors, suppliers and H-E-B Partners.”
The H-E-B Tournament of Champions also partnered with nonprofit organization Homes for Our Troops to build two new custom homes for two wounded military veterans and their families. Overall, 13 homes have been donated through this event. The custom-built homes were gifted to each family mortgage-free, fully furnished and stocked with food and home supplies.
This year’s home recipients are Army Sgt. Javier Rivera Rivera and Army Sgt. Michael Lage.
The H-E-B Tournament of Champions also teamed with Wish for our Heroes to donate a brand-new modified van to support Army Sgt. First Class Lee Hockersmith and his wife Rachel, a military family raising multiple children with special needs.
On top of gifting the two mortgage-free homes, H-E-B Tournament of Champions also announced a $60,000 donation to Folds of Honor, granting 12 deserving students each a $5,000 scholarship.
Over the years, the Tournament of Champions has grown to include volunteer activities in the form of charitable work projects that benefit San Antonio nonprofits. This year, the Tournament of Champions supported the San Antonio Food Bank, Daughters of Charity Services, Davis Scott YMCA, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and Calderon Boys & Girls Club. For one afternoon, more than 1,400 volunteers helped these organizations with beautification efforts, renovation projects and children activities.
