By Hugh Fisher
hfisher@salisburypost.com
KANNAPOLIS – Some members of the class of 2013 will leave college with less debt, thanks to those who played a round of golf Monday at The Club at Irish Creek.
The 12th annual Kannapolis Rotary Golf Tournament raised funds for scholarships for Kannapolis City Schools.
Committee chair Bob Fallis said 68 players competed, with local businesses and Rotary Club members sponsoring prizes for longest drive and closest to the pin.
Fallis said additional donations would come in this week, but he said last two years’ tournaments raised about $6,000 on average.
“The proceeds will be applied to support a scholarship endowment,” Fallis said.
“It’s like having cake and eating it too,” said Larry Johnson, playing for a team organized by the Kannapolis branch of FirstBank.
“It was a nice day out there,” said Jeremy Tutt, owner of Dixie Cleaners in Kannapolis.
“I think being a part of the Rotary Club, supporting young people and scholarships, made it a fantastic afternoon.”
“You get to have a lot of fun supporting a worthy cause,” Johnson said.
“Really, it’s about creating an anticipation for local golf enthusiasts and Kannapolis Rotary Club members in general,” Fallis said.
“What it does is give the school system greater flexibility in awarding scholarships. There’s more money available, and it offers greater flexibility in student awards.”
The funds are made available to applicants from A.L. Brown High School’s graduating class.
Traditionally, he said, scholarships are awarded based on need and merit, according to guidelines established by the A.L. Brown High School guidance department.
“Aside from the absolute beauty of the course and the day, I just enjoy interacting with the people,” said Gwen McCombs, of the Cabarrus Regional Chamber, member of the tournament committee.
“I think it’s a great cause, and I’m so inspired by the Junior Rotarians when they come to our meetings,” McCombs said. “It feels good to help them further their education.”
Contact Hugh Fisher via the editor’s desk at 704-797-4244.