The Ross (Blackie) Talbot (RBT) Charity Golf Classic will celebrate its 19th anniversary this year by continuing the RBT Awards programme.It will also see the tournament one of the most popular on the Island raise funds for Bermuda Diabetes Association, The Bermuda National trust, Caron Bermuda, Raleigh International, The Ross (Blackie) Talbot Education Awards, The Ross (Blackie) Talbot Foundation, The Sunshine League Children’s Home, and Tomorrow’s Voices.The Classic, which will start on April 6 at Riddell’s Bay, is an annual charity event in which local golfers take part over three days under various formats.It was back in 1993, Clement Talbot, the community and Government liaison manager at the Bank of Bermuda, founded the Classic to raise money for charities in honour of his father’s birthday.And in every year since it has grown, having started as a one-day tournament.Since the first tournament, the event has raised in excess of $2.7 million, all of it handed over to 75 various charities.This year organisers hope to raise $200,000 for the six charities along with the Ross (Blackie) Talbot Educational Awards (RBTEA) and The Ross (Blackie) Talbot Foundation.Clement E. F. Talbot, JP, Chairman of the management committee, announced the recipients of the funds.“We are exceptionally proud to be able to assist these dedicated Charities,” said Talbot. “I know I say it every year, but it is true that it continually amazes me how the Ross (Blackie) Talbot Charity Classic, year after year, maintains its success, which can be directly attributed to the commitment from our valued sponsors, Classic participants, our volunteers and of course my committee.“We are very aware of the many other charitable causes in Bermuda as well as the difficult economic climate we are all facing, and so the generosity that all have demonstrated to the Classic is indeed overwhelming”.The 2011 grand raffle will generate over $120,000 in prizes and promises to be one of the biggest yet.Prizes include a luxury Dodge Caliber car, sponsored by Prestige Autos Ltd. a Deluxe seven day Caribbean Cruise for four, sponsored by Validus Re, two British Airways First Class tickets, along with other great prizes.