More than $250,000 was raised for charities by the last Ross "Blackie" Talbot Charity Classic bringing the total raised since it started to $2.7 million. The 18th annual event was held last month and raised $265,000 and charities receiving funds include Meals on Wheels, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda, Windreach Bermuda, Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda and the Ross "Blackie" Talbot Education awards.

Clement Talbot, chairman of the Classic, said: "As most people know, my father always envisioned one Bermuda. We believe that this year's charity recipients are in keeping with this and that together we can encourage self-discipline and motivation, continue to help each other and create an environment in which our youth can expand their education. It is for these reasons that the committee selected these charities."

Mr. Talbot said the focus for this year was educating Bermuda's youth, assisting seniors and helping at-risk youth. "Due to our loyal sponsorship and the tremendous support we received from the local community, we were able to substantially exceed our fundraising goal. "This achievement in these very difficult economic times is to be attributed to the commitment we received from our tournament and raffle sponsors and the support we received from the entire community for our grand raffle", he added.

Phil Butterfield, CEO of HSBC Bermuda, the lead sponsor of the Classic, said: "We are both pleased and proud to support the Ross "Blackie" Talbot Charity Classic, especially given the focus of the charities selected this year. This wonderful charitable event is a highlight of the charity and social calendar and contributes substantially to the Island's charities. "I continue to be both personally and professionally very passionate about improving education and providing opportunities to our youth and so I am thrilled with the contributions being made to the selected charities."

Meals on Wheels received $27,000, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda received $25,000, WindReach Bermuda received $33,000, Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art received $65,000, the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda received $37,000 and the Ross "Blackie" Talbot Education awards received $78,000. The charity has now raised more than $2.7 million for almost 70 charities on Island.