Joe Wilson: “last weekend I had the privilege of joining thousands of visitors from across the world in celebrating the MCI Heritage…”

“last weekend I had the privilege of joining thousands of visitors from across the world in celebrating the MCI Heritage Classic of Golf Tournament held on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The Heritage has a rich history, with the first tournament won by Arnold Palmer in 1969. This year's champion is Stewart Cink, who won in dramatic fashion on the fifth playoff round with Ted Purdy. Yet the more important story of this popular Lowcountry event is the work of the Heritage Golf Classic Foundation. This nonprofit organization operates the tournament every year while generating over $50 million for the South Carolina and Georgia hospitality industry. The Heritage Golf Classic Foundation also distributed a record $1.2 million to charities in 2003, including such areas as education to public health. Heartfelt congratulations are due Heritage Classic Foundation Chairman Joe Fraser, Vice President Ed Dowaschinski, Secretary John Curry, and Tournament Director Steve Wilmot for yet another successful tournament hosted by the Sea Pines Resort led by President Michael Lawrence. In conclusion, may God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.”