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As you know by now, the Verizon Heritage golf tournament is in need of sponsorship for April 2011 and beyond to continue its great tradition. As your mayor, and as a proud member of the Heritage Classic Foundation, I have dual responsibilities that overlap into one simple message: We need your help and participation to keep this important international event on the island. The reasons are many and all benefit our community.
A few years ago, an independent economic impact study showed that more than $84 million in sales are generated by the tournament. Currently, that number can be reasonable revised to amount to nearly $100 million.
Hilton Head Island businesses, the study concluded, take in more than $52 million every year during the tournament —and that number also is probably higher now.
The study indicated that the tournament results in more than $4 million in sales tax each year. Hotels, short-term rentals, retailers, Realtors and restaurants are a few types of businesses that benefit from the tournament.
Many of the businesses that benefit directly from the tournament are, in large part, operated and owned by island residents. Those same island residents are the ones that make our town a community by donating their time, talent and treasure back into the island.
A very real and direct fact about one benefit of the tournament is that its existence makes your property taxes lower. The revenue generated from accommodations and hospitality taxes, paid by visitors, keeps your taxes lower. If not for that source of revenue, property taxes would have to share the load to fund our budget.
The tournament provides significant support to area nonprofits and benefits college-bound students with scholarship money. Almost $20 million has been distributed to those in need. In 2009, for example, $1.3 million was distributed to area charitable organizations, the arts, medical institutions and college scholarships. If you’ve attended the tournament, you have witnessed local nonprofits, schools and volunteer groups selling food and drink concessions to tournament patrons. Proceeds from these sales are poured right back to these organizations and help address their needs.
More than 1,200 volunteers work for the tournament and lend to its success. As mayor, I firmly believe that while the tournament is not classified as a “civic” event, it is no less one because of the significant community (volunteer) support it receives. The event is one the community rallies around.
So buy some tickets, become a corporate sponsor, or volunteer your time by contacting the Verizon Heritage Tournament Office at 71 Lighthouse Road, Suite 4200, Hilton Head Island (671-2448 or toll free at 1-800-234-1107) or visit the tournament’s website at www.verizonheritage.com.
