Two mortgage-free homes also gifted to severely wounded military Veterans
One of the largest charitable events in the nation, the H-E-B Tournament of Champions announced a fundraising record in support of Texas nonprofits. The annual event, in partnership with more than 600 contributing companies, raised over $16 million, an amount that eclipses last year’s total by 20 percent. Over 39 years, the charitable trust has raised more than $176 million.
H-E-B Tournament of Champions, a charitable trust affiliated with H-E-B, works with H-E-B suppliers to raise funds that support nonprofit organizations focused on the needs of children and families in the Lone Star State. Launched in 1986, the event has supported hundreds of organizations across Texas with direct-impact program gifts and looks forward to continuing those efforts with this year’s success.
From June 5-7, H-E-B Partners, suppliers, and nonprofits gathered in San Antonio for the annual H-E-B Tournament of Champions event, which includes a day-of-service that’s among the largest one-day volunteer activities in the city.
“We are humbled by this new fundraising record, the largest in the history of the H-E-B Tournament of Champions,” said Winell Herron, H-E-B Group Vice President of Public Affairs, Diversity and Environmental Affairs. “Each year, we’re amazed at the enduring generosity of our suppliers, which allows us to provide much needed support to nonprofit organizations across Texas.”
The H-E-B Tournament of Champions and H-E-B also partnered with Homes for Our Troops to gift two mortgage-free, fully furnished homes to two wounded military Veterans and their families. The homes were also stocked with food and supplies, are specially adapted to make them more accessible with finishes such as wider hallways, lower countertops, automatic doors, and roll-in showers. This year’s home recipients are:
- Army Sergeant Jose Lopez who sustained injuries, including burns to more than 30 percent of his body, during deployment to Afghanistan in 2007.
- Army Major Yancy Baer who sustained multiple injuries while serving with the 10th Special Forces Group during his fourth tour in Iraq in 2009.
The brave military Veterans and their families were presented with the keys to their new homes during a special dedication ceremony. In total, the H-E-B Tournament of Champions and H-E-B, through its Operation Appreciation Homes Built for Heroes program, has dedicated 52 mortgage-free homes to severely wounded Veterans, an effort that began in 2013.
Beyond its financial gifts, the H-E-B Tournament of Champions hosted multiple volunteer activities across San Antonio that benefit local nonprofits. These transformative volunteer projects have become a mainstay of the three-day event in recent years. For this year’s day of service, the H-E-B Tournament of Champions hosted eight charity work sites to support Healy-Murphy Center, Roy Maas Youth Alternatives, SAMMinistries, San Antonio Food Bank, Special Olympics Texas, Westside YMCA, and Home for Our Troops. For one day, more than 1,800 volunteers helped these important organizations with renovation projects, children’s activities, and beautification efforts.
Nonprofits in Texas seeking support for their organization can apply for funding from H-E-B Tournament of Champions at hebtoc.com.
