Anyone familiar with Charles L. Ewing Sr. knows that the president/CEO of Ewing Moving & Storage is passionate about golf and that his love for the game far predates the role he fills in helping to make sure golf remains an integral part of the Southern Heritage Classic celebration.
Ewing is president of Memphis District Laymen, an auxiliary of the National Laymen Association. In 2019, the group took on sponsorship of the Memphis District Golf Classic (MDGC), which succeeded the Ed “Too Tall” Jones Golf Tournament, an SHC staple for years.
The Classic’s official golf event, MDGC returns to Tunica National for the second year. About 100 hundred players of all skill levels will hit the greens on Saturday (September 11) at 8 a.m.
“The Laymen were looking for an annual fundraiser that could help us raise funds and have a greater impact on youth,” said Ewing. “When the golf tournament during the Classic became available, we knew it would be perfect.
“The support from the business and faith-based community has been phenomenal. The first year we raised over $30,000, and we’re on track to do even better this year.”
Participants on the outing will receive an awards luncheon meal, a MDGC golf tournament shirt, and premium gifts. During the hole-in-one competitions, players can test their skills in hopes of winning a new car. A raffle with prizes such as golf clubs and flat-screen TVs will be held as well. The title sponsor of the tournament is Cigna global health service company.
The Memphis District Laymen is composed of 72 Baptist churches in Memphis under the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. Its mission is to “unify men in their purpose of mentoring, evangelizing, and nurturing others to help our communities and strengthen churches.”
Proceeds from the golf tournament support summer youth sports programs designed to give youth from at-risk communities more opportunities to learn fun recreational activities and productive life skills.
In July, the Memphis District Laymen held a one-week summer camp at the Links at Whitehaven Golf Course for youth in grades K-8. The group also is involved in the Adopt-A-School program and prison and homeless outreach.
The golf tournament is one of several non-football events that accent the SHC’s annual cultural celebration.
This year’s tournament also features a private reception hosted by University of Memphis Men’s head basketball coach Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway prior to players hitting the course.
Cigna is on board for its second year as the title sponsor.
“We here at CIGNA recognize the value of sports in the lives of youth,” said Quintin Robinson, Tri-South Market vice president of sales and account management
“Sports are a great form of exercise but they also teach life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication and respect. We are proud to sponsor the Memphis District Golf Classic again and look forward to participating as well.”
Additional sponsors include Gossett Motor Cars, Nike, Principle Toyota, FedEx, MLGW, City of Memphis, Regional One Health, TVA, Paragon Bank, All World Project Management, the National Civil Rights Museum, Regions, the Memphis District Association (MDA), Truist, and Ewing Moving & Storage.
(For more information, visit memphisdistrictgolfclassic.org or call 901-265-4886.)
