‘Continuing his legacy’: 15th Evans Special Benefit Fund Golf Classic raises $30K for local schools
Published 9:32 am Friday, October 17, 2025
The Evans Special Benefit Fund Golf Classic returned on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Valley Grande Golf Course with its 15th annual installment. (Times-Journal Photo/David Lovell)
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
By NOAH WORTHAM | Staff Writer
SELMA – Attendees teed off for a special day of fun out on the green while participating in a longstanding tradition that benefits local schools and special needs students across Dallas County.
The Evans Special Benefit Fund Golf Classic returned on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Valley Grande Golf Course with its 15th annual installment.
“The purpose for this golf classic is to help in the Dallas County school system, the Selma City Schools system and also the Cahaba Center for Mental Health,” said Jeannie Evans, the wife of George Patrick Evans, the event’s namesake. “We help them with things that federal funds are tied up with that they can’t purchase.”
Last year’s edition of the golf classic raised $15,000 to be distributed across schools, but thanks to the participation and the generosity of the community, the 15th annual installment doubled that amount to $30,000, which will bolster educational efforts in the area.
Jeannie shared that approximately $5,000 will be distributed to each entity and then the remaining profit will be utilized to host a Fun Day in April where they invite all of the local special needs children to enjoy activities at the George P. Evans Reception Center and Safety Building.
“Last year, we had the red carpet out for them,” Jeannie said. “They were dressed up like they were going to prom. The guys had their bow ties on and their suits and the little girls were dressed up in their fancy dresses.”
Cahaba Center for Mental health Executive Director Carrie Bearden shared that that they’ve been involved in the fundraiser for years and they appreciate the support they receive.
“It allows us to buy things that maybe we wouldn’t be able to buy otherwise,” she said. “It’s great to be able to get support from the golf tournament. We also have worked with this group long enough that we have really good relationships with the Evans family and with the city schools and the county schools. It’s just fun to be involved.”
According to Selma City Schools director of special education, Courtney Utsey, the school system has benefited from the annual golf classic and was able to buy a washer and dryer one year thanks to the generous event. Utsey shared that the additional funding allows them to secure items they wouldn’t normally be able to get with federal funding and it helps support the teachers they have during an important time.
“Our biggest focus we’ve been turning to (is the) teacher shortage,” Utsey said. “We’ve been focusing a lot on retention, so keeping the teachers that we have. We love on our teachers a lot with the money that we have. I can provide lunches for them or I can pay for a sub if they need a day, just anything like that.”
Each year, the Evans Special Benefit Golf Classic not only supports the endeavors of local educators but also serves as a loving reminder of the legacy of George Patrick Evans, who served as the special education coordinator for Dallas County Schools.
“We’re continuing his legacy,” Jeannie said. “When he was a special education coordinator, he fell in love with all of the special needs children… and just decided that he would do something for them to help them out.”
Those who attended the tournament were able to play as a team of three with a men’s and women’s scramble for $300 per team or $100 per person. Jeannie said that the success of the event is due to its sponsors and the teams who participate.
The following participant places in the 15th annual Evans Special Benefit Fund Golf Classic:
1st Place
– Johnny Moss III
– Troy Harville
– Ira Wagoneer
2nd Place
– Mark Philips
– Donnie Veach
– Tim Burton
3rd Place
– Ernest Hodge
– Byron Evans
– James Wright
4th Place
– Stevie Smitherman
– William Free
– Rick Williams
