One local high school athletic director recently said that to fund his 32-team program for a year, he’d need about $140,000.
That’s mind-boggling. And who is hit the hardest when the hands come out for donations and help?
The parents and local businesses. They’re pounded constantly to donate time and money.
Mike Reid is both a parent and business owner. He has sent his kids to South Rowan, Southeast Middle and now, Carson. As a parent he has contributed. As a local business owner (Porky’s Bar-B-Que and the Mikey’s convenience stores), he has contributed.
But like the number of sports, Reid has watched the number of schools increase in the southern end of the county.
Which means even more help is needed.
“So,” Reid mused, “I tried to think of something we could do to raise money for all the schools instead of giving a little bit to this school and a little bit to that one and then running out of money and not having any to give somebody else.”
What he came up with was the Porky’s Bar-B-Que Golf Classic.
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He went to some boosters who told him they already had a golf tournament. This one benefitted Carson and South Rowan. It was in the spring.
So Reid thought he’d put on an event in the fall and help not two, but five schools. His vision is to give money to South and Carson, as well as middle schools Southeast, China Grove and Corriher-Lipe.
On Oct. 24 at The Warrior Golf Club, Reid’s tournament becomes reality. It’s captain’s choice. There’s a $240 entry fee per team. Reid is expecting 32 teams to compete. He’s also expecting the field to fill up quickly.
This isn’t a school deal,” Reid said. “It’s my deal.”
Whatever he makes will be split five ways. And the best thing about it? Every single cent goes to the schools.
Reid, who was seen at many Southeast sporting events over the past two years, really wants to give to the middle schools.
“Middle schools are hit the hardest because they don’t get the gates high schools do,” Reid said.
He has raffle tickets all over the place, from his businesses to the schools. Athletes have them. Booster clubs have them. For 10 bucks, you might win one of four prizes that include everything from six Carolina Panthers tickets, to gas, to free food.
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Reid has made enough contacts over his 20-plus years with Mikey’s and 12 more with Porky’s to include some pretty special prizes during the tournament:
– A free car for a hole-in-one on No. 12.
– Fire an ace on No. 8 and you get anything from camcorders to widescreen TVs to theater systems.
– Knock it in on No. 6 and get a Seiko watch.
– Most true golfers hope luck is on their side at No. 16. An ace puts new golf clubs in their hands.
– The wives of the true golfers are hoping their man gets an ace on No. 3. That could produce two round-trip airline tickets to anywhere in the continental U.S. or a four-day Carribean cruise.
Money is given for closest to the pin, longest drive and most accurate drive.
As if Reid has to entice anybody in this golf-crazed county to play.
They will turn out. And while trying to win, the athletic programs at five schools will win, too.
Reid said he came up with the idea a little late and plans on bigger and better things next year.
The more response, the more he can fill the bank accounts at the schools.
“Somebody on this end of the county has supported my businesses,” Reid said. “This is just something I can give back.”
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NOTE: For more information on the Porky’s Bar-B-Que Golf Classic, call 704-202-5006 or stop by Porky’s or Mikey’s.