Friends of Hawai'i Charities Inc. will distribute $1 million in charitable grants to more than 130 not-for-profit organizations that serve Hawai'i children, women, elderly and those in need, at a function today at Waialae Country Club.

This is the fifth year in a row FOHC has conducted a successful "Drive to a $Million" campaign in conjunction with its major fundraising event, the Sony Open in Hawai'i. Charity partner The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Inc. matched funds for each dollar raised. The total was supplemented by contributions from The Friends Club, an annual membership donor program, and SBS, sponsor of the SBS Open at Turtle Bay.

"In these economic times we know how challenging it is for companies and individuals alike to extend their contributions and investments," said Corbett Kalama, new president of Friends of Hawai'i and chair of the Grants Committee. "So we are even more grateful for the commitment of our title sponsor, Sony Corporation, our charity partners, The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Inc., our many loyal sponsors, Friends Club donors and volunteers."

Some of this year's recipients are Aloha Harvest, Alzheimer's Association Aloha Chapter, Bishop Museum, Boys & Girls Club of Hawai'i, Children's Discovery Center, CrimeStoppers Honolulu Inc., Family Promise of Hawai'i, First Book-Moloka'i, First Tee of Hawai'i, Peanut Butter Ministry, Read Aloud America, Rell Sunn Educational Fund Inc., Surfing the Nations and Victory Ohana Prison Fellowship Inc.

Over the past 10 years more than $9 million has been raised and distributed to more than 350 not-for profit organizations.

JUNIOR PGA

TOURNAMENT STARTS

More than 100 Hawai'i juniors are playing in the 2009 Aloha Section Junior PGA Championship today and tomorrow at Waikoloa Beach Resort on the Big Island. Waikoloa's Beach and Kings' courses will be used simultaneously.

Winners of the boys and girls divisions qualify to join approximately 150 of the nation's top juniors in the PGA of America's flagship junior event, the Junior PGA Championship, July 28 to 31 at TPC Rivers Bend in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Only two juniors from Hawai'i have been able to capture the national title — Stephanie Kono in 2005 and Reynold Lee in 1988.

This year's field includes a few juniors who have already made an impact on open events here, including Allisen Corpuz, Kalena Preus, Alina Ching, Patrick Bou-An Fujieki, Cassy Isagawa, Bradley Shigezawa, Britney Yada, David Saka and Lorens Chan.

Play begins at 10 a.m. each day.

USGJA QUALIFIER

CHING MEDALIST

Punahou's Alina Ching shot 3-over-par 75 in breezy conditions Tuesday to claim medalist honors at the U.S. Girls Junior Amateur qualifier, at Mauna Lani's North Course. Cassy Isagawa, from Wailuku, had a 78 and Serena Aoki, from Japan, shot 80 to claim the remaining two qualifying berths.

The three will play the national championship July 20 to 25 at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J.

Allisen Corpuz, an 11-year-old from Honolulu, is first alternate after shooting 81. Hilo's Britney Yada is second alternate with an 82.

NOTES

Big Island author Darrin Gee had his book, "The Seven Personalities of Golf: Discover Your Inner Golfer to Play Your Best Game," featured in a Golf Magazine article in the July issue. Gee, a mental golf coach, is owner of Spirit of Golf Academy.

The U.S. Open had a hint of Hawai'i, particularly the Hawai'i Pearl Open, last week. Ricky Barnes, who held the lead after three rounds and tied for second, was in the wedding party at Parker McLachlin's wedding. Ricky's brother Andy, who caddied for him, plays the Pearl often and was second in 2006. Azuma Yano, who was in the thick of things after a second-round 65 and finished tied for 27th, won the 2008 Pearl Open.

Olomana Golf Links will have its next Demo Day on July 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Titleist, Cobra, Taylor Made, Nike, and Oakley equipment will be available to use and purchase. For more information, call Olomana at 259-7926.