The Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation, established in 2000, was created so the band could support charities that were near and dear to their hearts. Among a multitude of philanthropy efforts, the guys focus on public education issues in South Carolina, the state that nurtured their aspirations from the beginning of their career. They aim to support the ongoing fight to even the playing field in educational funding and lend an encouraging hand to all those in need. Since establishing a fund within the Central Carolina Community Foundation, the band has donated over $2.9 million to over 200 charitable causes and the fund has an endowed balance of over $4.7 million. This will ensure the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation lasts in perpetuity and, as a legacy the band will be proud of, one day their children will be able to administrate the foundation.
The majority of funding comes from the annual fundraising event, Hootie & the Blowfish’ Monday after the Golf Tournament. Monday after the Masters, affectionately referred to as “MAM”, is a celebrity pro-am golf tournament where every April, celebrities, pro golfers and friends travel to Myrtle Beach for a long weekend of fun and philanthropy. In addition to the Hootie Foundation, MAM also benefits the South Carolina Junior Golf Association; an organization dedicated to enlightening our youth of the honor, sportsmanship and character of the game of golf, and therefore preparing them to better face future challenges in their lives. Thanks to MAM, the SC Junior Golf Association is one of the top-rated programs in the country.
The signature event of the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation is Hootie’s Homegrown Roundup. Every August, the Roundup prepares underprivileged children in the Charleston County School district for the upcoming school year. The kids receive free dental and eye exams, haircuts, new shoes and a backpack full of school supplies!