COUNTY — On Dec. 10, BI-LO Holdings Foundation presented the proceeds from its 2013 BI-LO Charity Classic to charities representing the Upstate of South Carolina. The event, held at the Peace Center in Greenville, included a check presentation to Pickens County Meals on Wheels (PCMOW).

In its first year as a combined company, the BI-LO/Winn-Dixie Charity Classic broke its record for charitable contributions raised in a single-day event, raising more than $3.1 million for charity.

The BI-LO/Winn Dixie Foundation partners with non-profit organizations in the Southeast who are passionate about improving education, nourishing the hungry, and enhancing the lives of children. “We are honored to be among the non-profit organizations included in BI-LO/Winn-Dixie Foundation’s strategic and philanthropic focus,” said PCMOW executive director Meta Bowers.

Thanks to the BI-LO/Winn Dixie Foundation, Pickens County Meals on Wheels received a grant for $17,140 to further support its mission in Pickens County.

“We play a crucial role in serving the seniors in our area,” Bowers said. “The senior population in Pickens County will double by 2030, and we have the obligation to grow, sustain and improve our capabilities.

“Funding from this grant will enable our organization to acquire and fully implement the necessary technology and software improvements needed to begin our new PCMOW kitchen facility. We are very grateful for this award.”

Pickens County Meals on Wheels is the largest provider of home-delivered meals in Pickens County and will serve more than 450 individuals 56,000 meals in 2013. PCMOW does not receive state or federal funding. Grants from organizations such as the BI-LO/Winn Dixie Foundation assist the organization in feeding and caring for the homebound elderly and disabled in Pickens County all year long.

BI-LO/Winn Dixie, Inc. is a regional supermarket chain operating more than 200 supermarkets in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee and employs more than 15,000 people. The company has a strong commitment to community involvement through philanthropy. For more information about BI-LO/Winn Dixie Foundation’s community outreach efforts visit their website at http://www.bi-lo.com/community/give-back/.