National's giving tops $3.4 million

Long after the azaleas and dogwoods have lost their blooms, the Masters Tournament continues to make an impact.

Augusta National Golf Club announced Monday it will give more than $3.4 million to charity. In the past 12 years, the Masters has contributed more than $39 million to local charities and the game of golf.

"It has always been, and will continue to be, a priority of Augusta National and the Masters to give back to the game of golf and the local Augusta community," Augusta National and Masters Chairman Billy Payne said in a statement. "In these difficult times, this obligation is more important than ever as we strive to positively affect the lives of people around the world."

The Community Foundation for the CSRA will receive $1.5 million, including the first $500,000 installment of a $3 million pledge to the Salvation Army's Augusta-area Kroc Center.

"In this year's economic bad times, they have not wavered in their commitment to the community," said Abram Serotta, the foundation's vice chairman. "They are fully committed in good times and bad times."

The foundation, which is based in Augusta and selects charities to receive contributions, serves Richmond, Columbia, Aiken, McDuffie, Burke and Edgefield counties. Since 1997, it has received more than $15 million from Augusta National.

In 2008, 34 organizations, including Augusta Care Pregnancy Center, Fairview Life Changing Ministry, Inc., Heritage Academy, the Jud C. Hickey Center for Alzheimer's Care and The Salvation Army of Augusta, received grants totaling almost $400,000 from the foundation's unrestricted fund.

The foundation also is helping with the Augusta National Employee Giving Fund, which has $250,000 earmarked for charities.

Started last year, the program enables the club's employees to designate $1,000 each in charitable contributions to a local organization.

"We're glad we're able to facilitate this process," Serotta said. "They're just a great corporate citizen."

The Masters is continuing its support of The First Tee with a $1 million gift. Since 1988, the Masters has provided more than $12 million to the national youth development program. The club is a founding partner of the program.

Reach Chris Gay at (706) 823-3645 or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com.