Eight charities were awarded funds in excess of $250,000 yesterday at the Ross (Blackie) Talbot Charity Classic cheque presentation held at the HSBC Bank of Bermuda.Making the announcement of the funds available for distribution was Clement Talbot, while also on hand were HSBC CEO Phillip Butterfield and representatives from the respective charities.Among those receiving funds were the biggest earners Ross (Blackie) Talbot Education Awards and Raleigh International, who collected $60,000 and $42,000 respectively.Also receiving cheques were the Bermuda Diabetes Association ($10,000), Bermuda National Trust ($34,000), Caron Bermuda ($30,000), Ross ‘Blackie’ Talbot Foundation ($10,000), Sunshine League Children’s Home ($32,000) and Tomorrow’s Voices ($32,000).“This has been has proven to be one of our most challenging years in our 19 year history as a result of the global recession and Bermuda’s weakened economy,” said Talbot. “In spite of these formidable economic challenges, it gives me great pleasure to inform you that we not only met, but exceeded our ambitious fund-raising goal of $250,000.”Butterfield added: “HSBC is proud to support the Ross (Blackie) Talbot Charity Classic, especially given the focus of the charities selected this year.”Since its inception, the RBT Classic has contributed more than $3 million to more than 75 charities.