By Dr. Tom Mitchell
In July 1991, I wanted to do something to help with unfunded scholarships for Central Baptist College (CBC), a ministry of the BMA of Arkansas that welcomes students from across the nation and around the world. Karen and I were not financially able, but I had directed several golf tournaments previously, and I felt impressed to direct one for CBC.
That fall, we held our first CBC Golf Classic, with seventy-two golfers from all over the state participating. We raised a whopping $475! However, with each ensuing year, the tournament grew to be the largest charitable tournament in the state. Over the next 26 years, thousands of dollars were raised through the participation of 450 golfers each year. Of course, we had great presenting sponsors, as well as other multi-level sponsors and hole sponsors. I thank God for each individual, church and business that enabled the annual tournament to be a success. Nine years ago, the tournament was put on hold, but now with new zeal, it is returning as the CBC Mustang Celebrity Golf Classic.
From Scholarships to Athletics
Private colleges, such as CBC, are not federally funded. CBC relies on donations to support special needs at the school. The previous focus on unfunded scholarships transitions this year to providing much-needed funding for the college’s athletic department.
Many needs exist for CBC athletics, but the most pressing is the replacement of the gymnasium floor in the A.R. Reddin Fieldhouse. It is really in a poor condition, and our athletes and coaches deserve better.
Monday, Aug. 25, is the date for the new CBC Mustang Celebrity Golf Classic. On behalf of CBC President Dr. Jeremy Langley and CBC Athletic Director Lyle Middleton, I am appealing to our churches, men’s and women’s golfers, businesses and alumni to “chip in” and help us raise the necessary funds. In addition to the floor, several other needs in the athletic department deserve our attention.
This year, the tournament will be held at the beautiful Greystone Country Club, located at 57 Greystone Blvd in Cabot. Head Pro and General Manager Dustin Ralston will have everything in place to ensure great golfing and fellowship experiences for all who participate.
Lunch, catered by the CBC dining department, will be served at noon on Monday, Aug. 25. The shotgun start will be at 1 p.m. Prizes will be awarded in two flights.
A Celebrity Event to Make Golfing More Special
For years, I have directed tournaments that have been very successful, not due to my ability, but rather to the generosity of my sports and media friends, who give of their time to play with four other golfers. This year some of those who will be playing are: Houston Nutt, Norm DeBriyn, Ron Calcagni, James Rouse, Louis Lee, Ken Hatfield, Johnny Rice, David Bazzel, Joe Foley, Marcus Elliott, Steve “Sully” Sullivan, Cliff Garrison, Donna Terrell, Mark Miller, Nathan Brown, Richard Davenport, Kevin Kelly and Gary Adams.
Each foursome will play with one of these celebs. I promise you that each of these individuals is not only an athlete of exceptional prowess, but also a person with a heart for helping. You will have a great time.
Teams and Sponsors are Greatly Needed
To register a team of four, please visit cbc.edu/events/golfclassic and complete the registration. You may pay online or at the registration table. You may also contact AD Lyle Middleton at lmiddleton@cbc.edu or text or call me at (501) 804-6647. The team cost is $500.
One of the most essential elements for a tournament’s success is sponsors. Churches, individuals and alumni are urged to sponsor and can sponsor at different levels:
• Mustang Sponsor is $5,000.
• Blue Sponsor is $2,500.
• White Sponsor is $1,200.
• Fan Sponsor is $500.
• Alumni Sponsor is $250.
• Hole Sponsor is $100.
Pastor, please consider asking your church to contribute to this important fundraising effort. Alumni, either as an individual, a couple or a group, please help us out. Individual members of BMA or Arkansas churches, I appeal to your generosity. This is not merely about athletics; it is about making a lasting impact on the students and student-athletes of CBC.
