What started as a small, one day golf tournament back in 1998 has turned into one of Laclede County’s longest running ways of giving back.
This year, the 27th Annual FSCB Charity Golf Classic raised $24,000, and every dollar stayed right here in our community. The money was split evenly, with $1,000 going to 24 local nonprofits that serve people of all ages across Laclede County.
Since it began, the tournament has raised more than $1.1 million for local organizations.
Tournament director Merri Hess said there were years the committee wondered if they should even hold the event. The economy was rough. Businesses were struggling. Then came the pandemic. But year after year, they showed up anyway and they never missed a tournament.
Over time, the way the money is given has changed. In the early years, large donations went to just a few groups. Now, the goal is to help more organizations doing important work, even if that means smaller checks. The hope is that the donation, along with the awareness the tournament brings, helps these groups keep going.
The $24,000 was raised through sponsorships, team entry fees, contests on the golf course, and a raffle.
Steve Hite, Regional President of First State Community Bank, said the Charity Golf Classic is one of the bank’s biggest events and truly represents what the bank stands for. He credited the community, businesses, teams, and individual players for stepping up year after year to make it happen.
Hess said the real champions of the tournament aren’t the golfers. They’re the sponsors, the teams, and the people who continue to give, even when they’re being asked to give in a tough economy.
This year’s $1,000 donations went to:
Conway Backpack Programs, that make sure kids have meals on weekends
Shepherd's Pack, serving meals to Lebanon and Joel E Barber schools
Lane Change, helping build Shayla’s Lighthouse for women rebuilding their lives
Lebanon Host Lions Club, providing vision and eye care assistance
Joel E. Barber School C-5, helping meet student needs like food, shoes, and activities
Hillcrest Education Center, supporting job readiness and certifications
L-Life Food Pantry, helping families and individuals facing food insecurity
Lebanon Rotary Club’s, Koats for Kids
Conway Senior Center meal programs
Hughes Senior Center meal programs
Lebanon Kiwanis Club, helping kids shop for warm clothes at Christmas
Share Your Christmas, supporting families and seniors during the holidays
Live2Give Hope, serving foster families and children
Claws & Paws Animal Adoption Center, supporting food, shelter, veterinary care, and pet needs.
Lebanon Downtown Optimist Club youth programs
Shop With A Cop, helping provide gifts for underprivileged and at-risk children while building trust with law enforcement.
Diaper Bank of the Ozarks, providing diapers to multiple agencies across Laclede County.
Laclede Industries, supporting employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Project 360 / Sound House, funding transportation so youth can attend programs.
Laclede County Treatment Court, supporting intervention and recovery services.
Pregnancy Support Center, providing free services to individuals facing unplanned pregnancies.
Not pictured:
Lebanon Courage Bowling Team, a Special Olympics program
Lebanon Laclede County Library, expanding its large-print book collection
OATS Transit, helping cover transportation costs
After 27 years, organizers say the tournament is still about the same thing it was back in 1998, neighbors helping neighbors, and making sure the people doing the work in our community know they’re supported.
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