Wayne Taylor Memorial Tournament raises funds for ANC scholarships

The 12th annual Wayne Taylor Memorial Golf Tournament was held Tuesday, June 15, at the Big Lake Country Club in Manila. Major sponsors for the tournament were CenturyTel, Bigg Butts BBQ, Southern Bancorp, Heritage Bank, Liberty Bank, SouthBank, Southern Bank, and Chapter AC PEO.

"We can't thank our many sponsors enough for their support and the Big Lake Country Club for allowing us to use their course," said Rachel Gifford, ANC dean for development.

This tournament is held annually to raise scholarship funds for Arkansas Northeastern College students who are residents of the Buffalo Island area and the Missouri Bootheel. The tournament garnered its name following the death of former ANC Foundation Chairman W. Wayne Taylor, who helped create the tournament in 1998.

"This is a wonderful tournament for a wonderful cause in memory of a wonderful person," said Gifford. Last year was the best year so far in terms of money raised, bringing in just over $6,000 for scholarships." Gifford hoped to reach that goal again, and this year's tournament looks like it's raised the same amount. Previous years have collectively raised over $40,000 in scholarship funds over the tournament's history.

Gifford also praises the tee-box sponsors. "Our tee-box sponsors make the difference. That's how this tournament generates scholarship funds. We couldn't do this without the support of our many tee-box sponsors, and we greatly appreciate the support of our local communities for giving to this worthwhile cause."

ANC wishes to thank the many major sponsors, tee-box sponsors, participants and country club staff who continue to make the tournament such a successful event.

Anyone interested in donating toward the Wayne Taylor Memorial Scholarship Fund or learning more about the Wayne Taylor Memorial Golf Tournament can contact Gifford at 870-838-2902.