By Pierce Royal and Haley Mitchell Godwin

Special to The Luverne Journal

The Luverne Kiwanis Club held its fifth annual golf tournament at the Luverne Country Club April 10. The yearly tournament helps  fund scholarships for high school seniors in Crenshaw County. 

Kiwanis president Jessica Folmar directed the event and described it as a way to give back to the community

“This Kiwanis fundraiser is all about the kids,” Jessica said.  “We can give back to them a little by helping to fund their continuing education at the college level. I think this is a great way to be able to do that and in turn I know the scholarship recipients will go out and do good in the world, hopefully here at home but regardless, I am happy to be part of making this happen.”

Folmar extended a heartfelt thanks to all tee sponsors, golfers,  local businesses that donated door prizes and everyone who helped make the event a success. 

Jon Folmar, Jessica’s husband, was instrumental in establishing the annual fundraiser and expressed his gratitude for its impact, which enables Luverne Kiwanis Club to expand its scholarship offerings.

“We give out two scholarships per school making that eight scholarships we are able to fund,” Jon said, “We were onlyable to give out one scholarship before we started this tournament.”

The club’s fundraising initiatives entailed securing sponsorship from local businesses for every hole. The sponsors received acknowledgement through signs showcasing their donation at each tee box throughout the event.

Fourteen teams were formed from a pool of 30 golfers that included Crenshaw County District 4 Commissioner Stallion Sasser, Probate Judge Will Tate and Dan Jackson, the sole surviving founder of the Luverne Country Club golf course. 

All three expressed that their reason for participating stemmed from a desire to contribute to the community, with a particular focus on supporting the youth who represent the future of Crenshaw County. 

Sasser stressed the significance of assisting local charities and the importance of initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of the community at large.

“I was eager to be involved with the tournament and the Kiwanis Club’s scholarship program,” Sasser said. “These scholarships help to provide opportunities for our young people heading to college, who can hopefully return to our community to make a positive impact and give back to the community.”

Coming in first place in the tournament was the Airtek team which consisted of John Wells, Craig Bellew and Malachi Gandy.

The Turner Funeral Home team came in second with Chad Turner, Rocky Williams and Glen Majors as team members. 

Dany and Lisa Rolling along with Jody Spann brought home a third place win for the Bulter Land and Timber team.

Lisa Rolling had the longest drive on hole 3.

For more information in participating next year or for more information, contact Jessica Folmar at 334-429-0804 or Jon Folmar at 334-429-3023.