Cornerstone Development, developer of The Plantation at Freeport, prides itself on giving back to the local community. For the last eight years, Cornerstone Development has hosted the Blount-Bowden Charity Classic at Kelly Plantation, the company's master-planned community in Destin. The charity event, consisting of a shotgun-start golf tournament, cocktail reception, auction, dinner and awards ceremony, raises funds for need based college scholarships, the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center and other local charities.

This year, four local high school seniors were awarded $12,000 scholarships to attend Florida State University-Madison Lewis, Freeport High School, Ashley Bridgford, Ft. Walton Beach High School, Tyler King, Choctawhatchee High School, and Emily Scamahorn, Niceville High School.

“Both Houston (Blount) and myself are honored to carry on the Charity Classic’s tradition of awarding some of the region’s most promising students college scholarships and providing local charities with much deserved assistance,” Coach Bobby Bowden said.

To date, more than $1.3 million has been raised and distributed among 51 college scholarships and numerous Emerald Coast charities since the inception of the Blount-Bowden Charity Classic in 2001.