EBCI tribal member Pepper Taylor lines up a shot during the 1st Annual Madison Hornbuckle Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday Aug. 9 at the Sequoyah National Golf Club. (AMBLE SMOKER/One Feather photos)
By AMBLE SMOKER
ONE FEATHER STAFF
WHITTIER – The Madison Hornbuckle Children’s Cancer Foundation held the 1st annual Madison Hornbuckle Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday Aug. 9 at the Sequoyah National Golf Club.
“Today was our first tournament,” said EBCI First Lady Marsha Hicks who is also the director of the Madison Hornbuckle Children’s Cancer Foundation. “We had a tremendous turnout and actually had a waiting list. We were blessed, there was no rain. The Lord took care of us today and everybody had a great time.”
Principal Chief Michell Hicks walks the course during Saturday’s tournament.
The inaugural event drew over 36 two-man teams from around the area with players competing in five flights, including a ladies flight, in a two-man scramble format. Golfers had the opportunity to raise money for the Foundation by participating in side games setup by sponsors along the course.
“The purpose of this tournament was to raise money that goes directly back to the foundation to assist families in any way we can financially, whether it be through car insurance, house payments, power bills or anything of that nature,” said Hicks. “Just to try to make life a little bit easier. I’m just appreciative to our sponsors because without them, we wouldn’t have been able to accomplish what we did. I’m grateful for the community and all their support for this event; we look forward to growing this event for future years to come.”
Jay Eagleman said after the tournament, “I think it’s a great tournament for a great cause. We had a lot of fun, a lot of camaraderie, a lot of jokes being told, but not a lot of golf being played. My partner and I kept waiting for the rain to come so we’d have an excuse to leave the golf course. We were here for a great cause and it truly helps where kids need help. I can’t wait to be a part of it next year. “
The Madison Hornbuckle Children’s Cancer Foundation serves children 17 and under in Jackson, Swain, Cherokee, Graham, and Haywood counties who have been diagnosed with cancer. The Foundation assists families dealing with financial hardships and established to preserve the memory and pay tribute to Madison Hornbuckle, an 11 year old child diagnosed with cancer at the age of 10.
