Salesmanship Club of Dallas
EDS Byron Nelson Championship: The Championship has raised more than $100 million for charity.

For Immediate Release: September 17, 2007

EDS Byron Nelson Championship Exceeds $100 Million In Total Money Raised For Charity

Salesmanship Club, PGA TOUR Commissioner Announce Milestone in Charitable Giving

EDS Byron Nelson Championship Exceeds $100 Million In Total Money Raised For Charity DALLAS & ATLANTA – The Salesmanship Club of Dallas and PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem announced today that the EDS Byron Nelson Championship has exceeded the $100 million mark in money raised for charity since 1968. This is not only the largest amount raised from an ongoing event in Dallas, but is also by far the largest amount raised by a single tournament in the history of the PGA TOUR.

With the proceeds from the 2007 Championship, a total of $101,537,845 has been raised for charity. Finchem recognized this accomplishment at the TOUR Championship in Atlanta, while the Salesmanship Club made the announcement at the Dallas center of Salesmanship Club Youth & Family Centers. As the Championship’s primary beneficiary, SCYFC uses the tournament proceeds to support its programs for children and their families in the Dallas area.

"On behalf of the players and staff of the PGA TOUR, I offer our congratulations to the EDS Byron Nelson Championship for reaching this historic milestone," Finchem said. "Byron Nelson left a legacy of giving, and it is wonderful to see this continue through the good work of the Salesmanship Club."

"We want to thank the PGA TOUR and especially the TOUR players, our title sponsor EDS, and the many sponsors and fans who have supported our Championship over the last 40 years. They helped us reach this incredible milestone in charitable giving," said Mac Wesson, president of the Salesmanship Club of Dallas, the host organization of the Championship. "This tremendous support has enabled us to serve thousands of underprivileged children and families in the greater Dallas area and it has ensured that Byron Nelson’s work for the kids will continue."

"Raising $100 million is a remarkable achievement and EDS salutes the tireless efforts of the Salesmanship Club in reaching this milestone," said Ron Rittenmeyer, EDS president and chief executive officer. "We also recognize that the tournament is not just about raising money, equally important is how that money is spent. The Salesmanship Club has built a world-class program that focuses on the needs of children and families in the Dallas area – with an outreach that impacts other regions of the nation as well."

Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers has been the recipient of the funds raised at the EDS Byron Nelson Championship since the tournament began in 1968. SCYFC has provided intensive and innovative mental health and education services for more than 35,000 at-risk children and families over the years. Current mental health programs include family therapy, intensive treatment for troubled adolescents, parent training and child assessment services. Education programs are highlighted by an exemplary laboratory school providing innovative teaching approaches to inner-city kids, an institute providing training and consultation with public schools and a hands-on earth science education program for public school students at SCYFC’s camp in east Texas. SCYFC’s broader mission is to impact children and families on a larger scale by sharing new approaches with other educators, mental health professionals and human service organizations.

"The incredible support provided by the EDS Byron Nelson Championship has enabled our programs to serve thousands of children and family members regardless of their income," said Dr. Kent Skipper, SCYFC executive director. "We are deeply grateful to the Salesmanship Club of Dallas and the many companies and individuals that have made this tournament so successful. Thanks to this great annual event, we will continue to seek new effective approaches to help at-risk and troubled children."

The EDS Byron Nelson Championship, successor to the Dallas Open, was launched in 1968 as the first PGA TOUR tournament named for a professional golfer. The charitable contribution to the SCYFC in 1968 was $10,000 while the 2007 championship last April contributed $6.4 million.

About the EDS Byron Nelson Championship

The EDS Byron Nelson Championship has been a premiere event on the PGA TOUR since 1968. DFW's biggest sports attraction and most anticipated social event of the spring unveils an upgraded Pavilion with live music, new VIP area and later weekend hours. And with a dynamic new area for kids and families, there's something for everyone this year. Don't miss the most successful charity event on the PGA TOUR, raising over $100 million for area kids & families. A Great Time. A Greater Cause. Learn more at www.edsbyronnelsonchampionship.org.

About Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers

Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers is a nonprofit organization that is helping transform children’s futures and creating new possibilities for success through its education and mental health treatment programs. More than 5,000 children and families were served last year. These direct services are extended through professional training and consultation with other educators, human service professionals and organizations to help many more young people indirectly. Learn more at www.salesmanshipclub.org.