December 13, 2008

Charities receive Boise Open funds

The main beneficiaries this year went to groups that work with young people.

BY ANNA WEBB - awebb@idahostatesman.com

The main beneficiaries this year went to groups that work with young people.

Jeff Noddle, chairman and CEO of Supervalu, the company that owns Albertsons, was on hand Friday to help present to local nonprofit organizations more than $1 million raised through the 2008 Albertsons Boise Open annual golf tournament, held earlier this year.

Supervalu believes in supporting the communities that support its stores, Noddle said.

The money - $1,039,844, which will go to 96 different charities - represents the tournament's largest single-year donation since it began 19 years ago.

Jeff Sanders, from Jeff Sanders Promotions, the firm that publicizes the tournament, said this year's "primary beneficiaries" - 12 organizations that will each get $25,000 - were chosen for their work to enrich and stabilize the lives of young people in the community through active outreach programs covering mental and physical health, and more.

The Rocky Mountain Section PGA Foundation, golf programs at Boise State and the University of Idaho, and the First Tee Chapter of Idaho, a youth golf program, were also among the grant recipients.

More than 1,200 local volunteers participated in last year's tournament. The tournament presented by Kraft, will celebrate its 20th anniversary in Boise Sept. 14 to 20 next year at Hillcrest Country Club.

Anna Webb: 377-6431