June 28, 2012 - The Critz Tybee Run Fest, one of the major running events in the greater Savannah area with participants from the Southeast and across the United States, announced it has contributed its proceeds of $75,000 to Savannah Community Foundation who will mange the fund which grants money to Tybee, Savannah and coastal region organizations who provide services that support education and a healthy lifestyles.

These proceeds were made possible by registration fees from over 4,000 participants, sponsorship support and advertising placements.

Grant recipients include:

• Tybee Island YMCA

• Lady Bamford Early Learning Center

• Fresh Air Home at Tybee / Froebel Circle

• Tybee Post Theater

• Savannah College of Art and Design

• Savannah State University.

"Everyone who supports the Critz Tybee Run Fest has a common goal, and that is to maximize the proceeds in order to contribute as much as possible to help with education and healthy lifestyle activities," said Dale Critz Jr., co-founder and title sponsor. "We strive to ensure that athletic and educational programs making a difference continue to grow."

Dale Critz Jr. and the entire Critz family have a longstanding tradition to contribute and support their community. Organizations benefiting from their philanthropic ways are Savannah Music Festival, United Way of the Coastal Empire, Telfair Museums, Savannah Historic Foundation, Farmers Market and the Savannah Tennis Challenge, and these are only a few of the organizations that the Critz family has supported through the years. The 2012 grant recipients were recognized, with all 2012 sponsors present, during a breakfast ceremony on yesterday morning at the new Critz Mercedes-Benz facility.

To become a part of the Critz Tybee Run Fest, please visit: www.critztybeeerun.com or go to www.facebook.com/critztybeerunfest.

The 2012 Critz Tybee Run Fest is offering several new and expanded sponsorship opportunities for organizations who would like to be involved with the event.