Community Involvement
Gray Classic Golf Tournament
The Gray Golf Classic (http://thegrayclassic.com) is an annual golf tournament in which the main purpose is to raise funds and awareness for local charitable organizations. In 2011 the weekend events included a Business Roundtable, Welcome Reception, Women’s Empowerment Brunch, Golf Tournament, and Farewell Brunch. For the last two years the proceeds benefited the 100 Black Men’s Youth Mentoring Program. Over 20 years, the program has helped students to develop high self-esteem and an appreciation for education with workshops in citizenship, leadership development, life skills, study skills, financial literacy, cultural enrichment and community service.
Some of the golf tournament’s sponsors have included: Wells Fargo, BlueCross BlueShield, Food Lion, Synder’s Lance, Ruth’s Chris, North Carolina Mutual Insurance, and Fifth Third Bank. The goal is to not only give sponsors a chance to support local charities but also to be able to gain great exposure for their businesses. A host of notable business, civic, and political leaders participate in the Gray Classic such as The Chairman of 100 Black Men Al Dotson, Mecklenburg County Manager Harry Jones, Sonja Gantt (WCNC), Congressman Mel Watt, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Rodney Monroe, Bob Morgan (Chamber of Commerce), JCSU President Dr. Ronald Carter, and Livingstone College President Jimmy Jenkins. And the Gray Classic Honorable Guest for the last two years has been North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Walter Dalton.
Letter from Lt. Governor Walter Dalton: letter-from-lt-governor
Letter from Albert E. Dotson, Jr.: letter-from-albert-e-dotson-jr
Link to tournament highlight video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNVB-pt75V0
Event photos: http://mediaartscollective.com/Events/Gray-Classic-2010
http://mac330.com/Events/The-Gray-Classic-2011
Also check out featured articles:
http://charlotte.news14.com/content/628201/lt–gov–dalton-co-chairs-golf-tournament-to-support-youth-mentoring
http://www.wcnc.com/home/Golf-tournament-in-Charlotte-benefits-African-American-youth-125694303.html