We are now exactly two weeks away from satisfying our cravings for turkey, gravy, mac ‘n cheese, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, rolls, cranberry dressing, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and whatever else we can find at the dinner table. While over indulging in delicious food and being around the smiling faces of our loved ones is awesome, we want to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate a day of Thanksgiving.

The Valero Texas Open staff is grateful for the volunteers that come from near and far to contribute their time and energy, the members of the media who help tell our story around the world, the generous sponsors who support the Tournament and its charitable mission, the PGA TOUR players and their families who travel to Texas to compete and provide excitement to our fans, the spectators who cheer on and support one of San Antonio’s oldest traditions, and the charities who offer compassion and care for those in need throughout our community.

Each of us plays a vital role in making the tournament a huge success. Together, we are the Valero Texas Open family and we are grateful to have you a part of it. Happy Thanksgiving!

Based on the community support and participation, we are excited to announce that we are hosting the 2nd annual Dash to the VTO on Saturday, April 14. Lace up your sneakers and enjoy a 5K run/walk around TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course. Children 14 & younger can participate in a 1 mile race.

It’s a chance to get a sneak peek at the tournament layout before the competition begins later that week. The race starts at 9 AM and entry fee includes a race shirt, chipped bib and a ticket to attend the Valero Texas Open! Race participants will enjoy the race starting and ending at the Practice Facility’s driving range filled with fun vendor booths and interactives for all.

Dash to the VTO will help raise funds and awareness for our Birdies for Charity program. Registration is now open – don’t delay before entry fees increase.

Learn more and register at: ValeroTexasOpen.com

Valero Texas Open is pleased to announce that one hundred and seventy-nine (179) charities and schools from Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi and surrounding cities have registered thus far to participate in the annual fundraising campaign, Birdies for Charity®. The official 2018 campaign began accepting donations and pledges on Monday, October 24.

Birdies for Charity kick-off events began with a breakfast at Valero Energy Corporation’s headquarters in San Antonio filled with Board Members, Executive Directors, Principals, and Development Directors from local charities and schools participating in this ever-popular and wildly successful fundraising tradition. KSAT 12’s SA Live Co-Host, Fiona Gorostiza emceed the breakfast which included tips and hints on how charities could maximize the implementation of this unique fundraising program. In addition, special guest speaker Clint Swindall spoke on “The Impact of Personal Engagement”. Kick-off luncheons were also hosted in Corpus Christi and Austin.

Birdies for Charity provides nonprofit organizations with an unique and engaging platform from which to solicit pledges for every birdie made during Valero Texas Open tournament week; keeping 100% of the funds raised + incentives including a 7% matching gift opportunity!

Funds are generated by soliciting pledges and donations from individuals and corporations from anywhere around the world and are tax deductible. Donors are encouraged to support their favorite cause through Birdies for Charity, allowing them to make a financial contribution to a charity close to their heart while having their contribution stretch further through the financial incentives the Valero Texas Open provides to participating organizations.

For added fun, donors can guess the number of birdies they think will be made during the Valero Texas Open through the “Guess the Birdies Contest” for a chance to win a Stay-and-Play Package compliments of JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa and TPC San Antonio.

Registration is still open for prospective charities and schools looking for no-cost fundraising opportunities.

Click here to learn more and donate to your favorite charity and/or school: www.ValeroTexasOpen.com.

Mark your calendar for the fourth annual “12 Days of Giving” that will take place December 1-12.

Birdies for Charity© participating organizations will receive $10 proceeds from each Good Any One Day general admission ticket (retail $25 per ticket) sold online at www.ValeroTexasOpen.com. The Valero Texas Open will also match up to an additional $500 per charity and the charity that helps sell the most tickets will also be awarded a $2,500 bonus (with a minimum of 50 tickets sold).

Good Any One Day ticket sales are presently underway through our new ticket vendor, Ticketmaster. Please note that the 12 Days of Giving between December 1-12 not only provides charities an additional opportunity to raise funds, but allows ticket buyers to make the most of their holiday gift giving!

The success of the Valero Texas Open is due in part to over 1,700 volunteers who serve on approximately 30 committees. Volunteers come from near and far, over all spanning 11 states beyond Texas. The countless hours and variety of jobs fulfilled greatly impacts the tournament.

We are looking for volunteering enthusiasts with a passion to help and together create a fantastic Valero Texas Open experience for PGA TOUR players, corporate sponsors and spectators alike. Mark your calendar -- registration will open on January 6 at www.ValeroTexasOpen.com. Select the days and times that work best with your busy schedule and choose to work for one of the many exciting committees available. Stay tuned for more details about our special January 6 “Volunteer Tee-Off” as registration commences!

In an effort to get to know our 2017 Valero Texas Open Champion better, Kevin Chappell graciously shared some fun facts about himself for our readers and loyal followers. Here are a few more personal morsels to enjoy about Kevin.

	How old were you when you first took up golf? 6 years old

	What are your top favorite bands/artists? Garth Brooks!

	What’s the name of a book you are presently reading or just read? What Doesn’t Kill Us