Golf tournament raises money for area charities, including the United Way.

Roadrunner Markets, with the support of its suppliers and vendors, has raised $75,000 for area charities at the 16th annual Roadrunner Markets Benefit Golf Tournament.

The tournament was held Monday, Aug. 27 at the Blackthorn Club in Jonesborough, Tenn. 

More than 160 players took part in the event, consisting of teams of four players each. Two-Time World Long Drive Champion, David Mobley, hit tee shots off the 10th tee for each of the foursomes.

The United Way of Washington County will receive $50,000 and will be used to help fund 17 local non-profit service agencies in Washington County. Without the donation pledge from Roadrunner Markets, the agency would not have met its goal for 2011.

The South Central Ruritan will receive $25,000 and the funds will be used to finish construction of ball fields at the South Central Ruritan Ball Park in Washington County.

“These are charitable pledges we’ve made and this is our way of raising the money needed to fulfill those commitments,” said President, Ryan Broyles.  “We want to thank our customers and sponsors for their support that enables us to be able to give back when we find our communities in need.”

Past recipients of funds from the annual tournament have been the Johnson City/Washington County Veterans Memorial, Coalition for Kids and Girls Inc.

Roadrunner Markets is a family-owned business that operates 92 convenience stores throughout Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.