WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE — Valero Energy recently donated $10,000 to help the Miami Trace Local School District extend its playground to benefit special needs children.

Initially, the funds donated to Miami Trace were gathered during the Valero Texas Open PGA Golf Tour, which took place back last spring – and will return April 1-7 of 2024.

The PGA Tour, held in San Antonio Texas, collects millions of dollars each year to donate to a variety of children’s charities all around the world. In fact, this year, Valero Benefit for Children, together with the Valero Texas Open, generated more than $23 million in net proceeds. This successful turnout put Valero Texas Open at over $232 million in proceeds over the course of 100 years of its history.

After Valero was informed of Miami Trace’s plan to extend its playground to at least double its original size in order to benefit not only the special needs students, but to help the student bodies of both Miami Trace Middle School and Elementary with outdoor learning, it was only a short matter of time before they became involved.

“The main reason we chose to donate to Miami Trace is because we truly believe in what they’re doing for the children,” said the Valero Bloomingburg plant manager, Zach Beversdorf.

Miami Trace showed its gratitude with a heartfelt post on the school district’s Facebook page which included a series of photos with a few of of Valero’s staff members.

“We are fortunate for the partnerships we have cultivated in this community,” said Miami Trace Superintendent Kim Pittser. “Valero has provided invaluable support, spanning from contributions for our outdoor learning spaces to participation in our business advisory council, and their involvement in career-related activities with our students. Valero is a deeply appreciated supporter, and we are grateful for their unwavering commitment to serving our schools.”