Four children’s charities in the Three Rivers area were handed a gift for the New Year today, as official beneficiaries of the 2008 Valero Benefit for Children Golf Classic.

With oversized checks in hand, employees of the Valero Three Rivers Refinery proudly distributed $202,000 in funds raised through the company’s annual Benefit for Children golf tournament in San Antonio.

“Valero is honored to continue this great mission of helping children’s charities in all of the areas where Valero operates – including Three Rivers,” said Harry Wright, Vice President and General Manager of the Valero Three Rivers Refinery. “We know that in this trying economy, the community must come together, even more, to support those who serve the youth. Children are always at the heart of Valero’s mission in the community.”

Valero Three Rivers employees joined local and county dignitaries in celebrating each agency’s success, and the success of the Valero Texas Open’s charity outreach efforts. Thanks to the generosity of Valero’s business partners and sponsors, the Valero Texas Open remains the most charitable tournament on the PGA Tour. This year nationwide, Valero will distribute a record-breaking $8.5 million to children’s charities across the nation. Agencies selected to receive ‘Benefit for Children’ dollars each year are nominated by Valero employees themselves.

In Three Rivers, the 2008 Valero Benefit for Children recipients are:

• Live Oak County Boys & Girls Club

• Live Oak County Child Welfare Board

• South Texas Children’s Home

• Beeville Boys and Girls Club

Valero is proud to foster a network of financial support for agencies that exist to serve our nation’s children. “We could not do this without the generosity of Valero’s many business partners and sponsors,” Wright said. “This is a true partnership among Valero employees, our sponsors and the PGA TOUR. It takes all three to achieve success.”