ABOUT THE GOLF CLASSIC FOR CURE CHILDHOOD CANCER

Thirty five years is a long time for anything to last. In order to survive three+ decades, there must be a strong foundation, hard work, and ample amounts of dedication. The Golf Classic for CURE Childhood Cancer has plenty of all three. Its rich history has endured and continued to grow since the first event in 1989. 

In that time, thousands of golfers have participated, hundreds of sponsors have joined the cause, and the tournament has raised more than $2 million to fight childhood cancer. 

“It takes a lot of work to last this long and raise that amount,” said Joe Coleman, the tournament’s driving force. “This cause is critically important and I’m so thrilled that we have loyal sponsors and players that support this tournament year after year. We raise funds for CURE because the ultimate gift to a child or a family that has experienced pediatric cancer is a cure.” 

Joe’s daughter, Shannon, was diagnosed with leukemia when she was two years old. At the time, there was only a 50% chance of her survival, but Shannon beat the odds and is now a happy mother to two children. Joe joined the CURE board during Shannon’s treatment and served more than 25 years. He currently serves on the Advisory Board. 

The first tournament largely catered to the transportation industry, where Joe made his career. Since that time, it has expanded greatly, and new friends join every year. But the spirit of the event brings people back. Many of the players have played for years, and some have played since the very first event. Loyal donors, sponsors, and volunteers line up to be a part of this special day year after year. While they always rave about how much fun they have, every golfer knows that finding a cure for cancer is the goal. 

“Everyone knows we are playing for a great cause,” Joe said. “But we also work hard to make it fun. That’s a recipe that keeps people coming back.” 

Over the years, the tournament has spawned some interesting side-stories. There were three 100-year-old golfers who joined the fray every year. One is Joe’s father, the other two were twins: Jennings and James Watkins. Sadly, we lost Jennings December 2021, but we hope to have James Watkins and Joes dad back again this year. You can read Jennings obituary here.  Another foursome boasts Joe and Jessie Talent, a married couple who met while they were in treatment for childhood cancer. 

The Golf Classic for CURE Childhood Cancer last year raised an amazing $105,000 for CURE and Joe is very thankful for all those involved. 

“We are grateful for our many sponsors for their many years of support, and to our meal sponsors Quik Trip, Chick-fil-A and Bradley’s BBQ,” said Joe. “I’d also like to recognize my wife, Julie who works so hard every year.”