It’s all about charity and funds raised for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
The IT is the St. Jude Golf Classic and its director, Darrell Smith, spoke to the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce today (5.23.18) at the monthly luncheon at Stonebridge Golf Club.
“At the end of the day, charity is the most important thing,” said Mr. Smith.
The value of that charity is $38 million raised for the kids at St. Jude since 1970. The Tournament was founded in 1958 with Billy Maxwell winning the first event at the old Colonial Country Club in East Memphis and taking home $ 2,000.
The relationship with St. Jude developed in 1970, said Mr. Smith, with the Danny Thomas Memphis Classic. FedEx took the title sponsorship in 1986 and 1988 was the last year at the old Country Club. The event moved to TPC Southwind in 1989 and has been the home ever since.
“Without Federal Express, a lot that we’ve accomplished would not be possible,” said Mr. Smith. Cost for the title sponsorship is $9-12 million.
The 61-year-old Tournament requires a year-round effort of seven staff members, volunteers and sponsors for the annual event which will be June 4-10 at TPC Southwind. He said there are 384 sponsorships or customers and many volunteers.
For the first time, there will be fireworks this year. “Memphis loves fireworks,” he said. So Friday of Tournament week, there will be fireworks at 8:45 p.m., preceded by food, music and children’s events.
And come next year, the event moves to August and becomes the World Golf Championship FedEx St. Jude Invitational, he said. Memphis will take the slot of the Bridgestone Invitational currently in Akron, OH. “This is going to be the best chance to get Tiger Woods to Memphis,” said Mr. Smith.
Wil Ashworth, Chamber president, outlined upcoming Chamber events.
- Tomorrow afternoon (5.24.18) from 3-6 p.m., KWAM the Voice Radio will broadcast live from Delta Blues Winery, 6585 Stewart Road in Lakeland, with a spotlight on Lakeland. The community is invited to attend. Meet radio personality Earle Farrell and have food, drinks, play in a corn hole tournament, register to win prizes and meet Lakeland business representatives.
- The next monthly Chamber luncheon is June 27 featuring RonJewell. Vice president of operations at The Orpheum’s Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education.
- The annual Chamber Golf Tournament will be in October.
… Photos by Anna Stonestreet Smith.
