By MACKENZEE SIMMS | Staff Writer

CALERA – Benefitting students in Shelby County, the 2024 Leadership Shelby County Golf Tournament teed off on Monday, April 15 at Timberline Golf Club. In addition to a silent auction, the golf tournament raised money for Leadership Shelby County’s youth programming.

The event started with a meal provided by Alabaster’s Full Moon BBQ. Participants could socialize or network over barbecue sandwiches and peruse the prize baskets while others snuck in some last minute practice at the driving range.

At 12:30 p.m., groups containing four players dispersed across the 18-holes of Timberline Golf course to tee off for an afternoon of competition and community. Prizes were available for holes-in-one on all par three holes with longest drive prizes in three categories—Ages 59 and under, ages over 60 and women.

According to a statement from Leadership Shelby County, the golf tournament served as a fundraising event for the organization’s youth programming.

“Funds raised during the tournament will be used to assist the Youth Leadership Shelby County program and provide the opportunity for college scholarships to youth program graduates from each participating high school,” the statement read.

In addition to the tournament, Leadership Shelby County also hosted a virtual silent auction from April 8-14.

At the event, Leadership Shelby County announced that the golf tournament and silent auction raised $22,000, enough to provide a scholarship for one student from each high school in Shelby County.

“With your support, we can continue to encourage young people to be socially, conscientious leaders of the future by providing them with the experience, vision and opportunity to lead.” Leadership Shelby County’s Executive Director Kendall Williams said.

Leadership Shelby County is a non-profit organization that hosts programs for different age groups. According to the Leadership Shelby County website, the programs are designed to develop leadership skills and allow participants to grow as a community.

“Our programs offer our participants an introduction to our community’s challenges and possibilities,” read a post on the organization’s website. “Additionally, we emphasize learning through experience that provides in-depth knowledge, tools and a network to better serve the community.”

Those interested in learning more about Leadership Shelby County can visit Leadershipshelbycounty.com.