Hilton Head project named PGA TOUR Charity of the Year

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (WTOC) - The PGA TOUR named the Hilton Head Island Deep Well Project its 2025 Charity of the Year, the organization announced Thursday.

The Deep Well Project, a nonprofit beneficiary of the RBC Heritage tournament, received the honor during a staff outing where volunteers were repairing a local resident’s home.

Founded in 1973 to provide clean drinking water on Hilton Head Island, the organization now focuses on housing assistance for the island’s workforce. The Deep Well Project operates two main programs: Emergency Rent/Mortgage assistance and Livable Housing Home Repair.

Emergency housing assistance

The Emergency Rent/Mortgage Program pays all or part of housing costs for residents who have experienced unexpected income loss or expenses that put them at risk of homelessness. In the first 10 months of 2024, the program paid $516,000 in rent and mortgage payments, helping 1,600 people, according to the organization.

The Livable Housing Home Repair Program conducts repairs on local homes to ensure safety. The organization has repaired 100 homes this year and expects to complete 10-15 more by the end of 2025.

“Decent and affordable housing for neighbors who comprise our workforce is a challenge across the country, but it’s especially concerning in resort areas like Hilton Head Island,” said Sandy Gillis, executive director of the Deep Well Project. “Land costs are high, and when you’re a barrier island, expansion isn’t an option.”

The award includes a $30,000 grant from the PGA TOUR that will support both housing programs.

The Heritage Classic Foundation, the RBC Heritage’s charitable arm, supports more than 90 local charities divided into six categories. The Deep Well Project falls under the Health and Welfare category. Since 1987, the foundation has donated $59.5 million to South Carolina and Georgia charities.

“This recognition reflects the incredible impact The Deep Well Project has made in our community,” said Steve Wilmot, president and tournament director of the RBC Heritage.

The PGA TOUR assists approximately 3,000 charities annually with support from more than 100,000 volunteers. Tournaments across all tours have generated more than $4 billion for charitable causes.