Spindletop Charities, Inc. (Spindletop International) is a 501 (c)(3) corporation founded in 1966 by Loy D. "Butch" Griffin. His vision was to build an organization promoting goodwill and fellowship within the oil and gas industry while benefiting children "in need." Today, Spindletop continues to make significant contributions to area youth charities. In 2007 alone, over $1.5 million was contributed for Houston area youth charities, which represents Spindletop's largest annual contributions in its 42 year history. In addition, $300,000 was raised for the Spindletop Katrina-Rita Relief Fund, assisting recovery efforts, specifically toward youth agencies, in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Griffin built a solid foundation for this organization that, even after his untimely death in 1984, would withstand the industry hardships in the mid 80s. Spindletop will continue to be affected by the ups and downs of the industry, but the funding and dedication from participants and volunteers to better the lives of less fortunate children has proven to be positively consistent. Since 1966, over $9 million has been raised to aid such programs as child abuse prevention, pediatric medical research, drug and alcohol abuse prevention and rehabilitation, education and scholarships, residential and educational centers, and after-school programs.

L.D. Griffin, Founder Spindletop Charities, Inc. 1939 - 1984

Spindletop's primary funding is a result of two major annual events: the Spindletop Oilmen's Golf Tournament and the Spindletop Holiday Ball. The three-day annual golf tournament, the primary fundraiser, is held the weekend prior to the Offshore Technology Conference. It is the world's largest oilmen's charity golf tournament having worldwide participation. The annual Spindletop Holiday Ball remains the premiere holiday event in the industry, highlighting the various charities supported. Another popular event is the Annual Spindletop Mardi Gras Celebration, where industry representives gather to enjoy costumes, fun & festivities.

In recent years, Spindletop has received increased contributions from individuals and corporations outside of the held Spindletop events, making it possible for more funds to be directed to youth charities. Specifically, Spindletop has been named as the beneficiary of the Texas Ranger Co. "A" Golf Tournament and the Shell Houston Open Charity Partner Program.

Spindletop International is managed by a Board of Trustees, representative of both the service and operating sides of the industry. Many volunteers are responsible for helping to make the events run smoothly. Three volunteer groups in particular are the Spindletop Cook Team, the Spindletop Tournament Committee and the Spindletop Hostess Committee. The Cook Team volunteers spend countless hours preparing the barbecue meals for the Spindletop Golf Tournament as well as other charity functions in the Houston area. The Spindletop Tournament Committee works year-round on the annual Spindletop Oilmen's Tournament. The two-person Spindletop staff works closely with all volunteer groups and the Board of Trustees, as well as taking a “hands on” approach with selected charities supported by Spindletop.

"Bruiser" Spindletop's Mascot

Spindletop even has its own mascot! "Bruiser" is a character of a tool-pusher and a symbolic tribute to the hardworking people in the industry. Whether they be the oilfield worker or the top company executive, Bruiser is a symbol of the dedicated individuals whose efforts produce the energy to keep our civilization moving. He's known as the oilman whose heart is in the right place and an ideal symbol for Spindletop. Bruiser is copyrighted and was given to Spindletop by long time supporter, the late Pete Sublett.