Shell Houston Open

When officials announced on Oct. 27 a $2,395,000 charity donation from the proceeds of the 2008 Shell Houston Open and other fund-raising activities of the Houston Golf Association, it marked a milestone.

Since 1974, when HGA first began supporting youth development programs, the total contributions have surpassed $51.6 million.

"We could never generate funding like that without great support from our volunteers," said Steve Timms, president and CEO of the Houston Golf Association. "Thousands of volunteer hours each year enable us to send more money to the bottom line for charity."

The Houston Golf Association has generated million-dollar-plus charitable contributions for 14 consecutive years. Of the $51.6 million charity total, more than $45 million has come since Shell Oil Company became title sponsor in 1992.