Celebs hit links to raise money for Children's Home
Published Tuesday, November 11, 2008
NATCHEZ — The weather was perfect and the golf was great. However, the greatest part of the Celebrity Pro Player’s golf tournament at Beau Pré Country Club Monday was the amount of money raised for the Natchez Children’s Home.
Fifteen sports personalities competed with teams of local amateurs in the tournament, with all money raised going to finishing the playground at the Children’s Home.
“This may be the biggest and most fun tournament we’ve had,” Children’s Home director Nancy Hungerford said. “It’s wonderful how everyone came out to help the children.”
The Natchez Children’s Home takes in children from chaotic home situations involving physical, drug or alcohol abuse and tries to acclimate them back into society. They also run a daycare for pre-schoolers who aren’t able to associate in a normal daycare setting.
Hungerford didn’t yet know how much money had been raised, but hoped it was enough to meet the $20,000 goal they had set. Last year’s tournament raised about $18,000.
But this year’s tournament did have the advantage of much better weather.
While last year’s tournament was played in chilly, rainy conditions, this year’s tourney was played under glorious sunny skies in temperatures in the mid-70s.
“The weather gods were smiling on us today,” Hungerford said. “It couldn’t have been a more beautiful day.”
The tournament was sponsored by Natchez Community Hospital, United Mississippi Bank and The Grand Soleil Hotel, and Hungerford was very thankful of their support.
“They helped make this tournament a success,” Hungerford said. “It couldn’t happen without them.”
Before golf was played, Hungerford took the celebrity golfers on a tour of the Children’s Home to see what the benefit of the tournament would be.
The celebrities were touched, including former Southern Miss and New Orleans Saints punter Ray Guy.
“We had a great time this morning (touring the Children’s Home),” Guy said. “That’s what it’s all about. Anytime we start complaining as fortunate as we are, we just need to look at those children and it will make us stop and think twice.”
Guy said it is important for himself to use his notoriety to help those less fortunate.
“My dad used to tell me ‘It doesn’t matter how good you are, you’re still equal to everyone else’,” Guy said. “If you are fortunate enough to have a special skill, you take that and bring it along with you and use it to help everyone be on the same level.”
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Tommy Maddox echoed Guy’s thoughts and said he was grateful to be able to participate in such a good cause.
“I’ve got two kids of my own and anything to help out kids does my heart good,” Maddox said. “I was fortunate to play football for a living and it’s a pleasure to give back and help raise money for a good cause and help good people.”