The Town Crier: High School Sports: Wayne Taylor Memorial Golf Tournament set for Aug. 22 (08/09/06)

Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Taylor pictured at his last golf tournament in May 2004. The annual fundraising tournament was renamed last year in memory of Mr. Taylor who was a long time supporter of ANC and was instrumental in creating the golf tournament to raise money for scholarships.
(photo provided)

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"We are gearing up for the eighth annual Wayne Taylor Memorial Golf Tournament on Aug. 22 at the Big Lake Country Club in Manila," Rachel Gifford, ANC dean for development, said. "This will be a three-person scramble, which includes lunch and a souvenir tee shirt."

CenturyTel, Home Oxygen Care of Manila, First National Bank, Heritage Bank, Liberty Bank, SouthBank, and Farmers Market are sponsors for tournament. In addition, Chapter AC PEO of Leachville will once again serve as hostesses and will provide a wonderful lunch for participants.

"We just can't thank our many sponsors enough for their support and Chapter AC PEO for the role they play in this event. These ladies made the day so much fun last year and added far more than just a lunch - they made everyone feel welcome," Gifford said.

This tournament is held annually to raise scholarship funds for Arkansas Northeastern College students who are residents of the Buffalo Island and the Bootheel of Missouri areas and garnered its new name last year following the death of former ANC Foundation Chairman W. Wayne Taylor who helped create the tournament eight years ago.

The entry fee is $90 per three-person team, excluding cart rental. Tee-box sponsorships range from $50 to $100, but all donations are appreciated.

"Mr. Taylor meant a lot to each of us, and this tournament meant a lot to him. He was very supportative of education in this area," Gifford said. "We hope this tournament helps to raise enough money to offer many scholarships in Mr. Taylor's memory."

Gifford also noted the College's appreciation of the Big Lake Country Club staff for the wonderful job they do each year in making the tournament the success it is.

"It's just a great event for a great cause. We hope to have a wonderful turnout and many, many tee-box sponsors," Gifford added.

Anyone interested in playing in the tournament, sponsoring a tee-box or donating toward the Wayne Taylor Memorial Scholarship Fund can contact Gifford at 838-2902.