Three decades after the first tournament, the Just Fore Kids Golf Classic continues to build on a legacy of bringing the community together to make a difference for local children. A sold-out field of 33 teams played in today’s milestone event hosted by Kosair for Kids at Hurstbourne Country Club. Since the inaugural tournament in 1997, golfers have raised more than $6 million in vital funds for children and families in Kentucky and southern Indiana struggling with the impact of medical emergencies. This year’s event set a new fundraising record of more than $400,000.
The tournament grew from a conversation between former Kosair for Kids President & CEO Randy Coe and prominent Louisville businessman and insurance giant Bobby Clarkson. Before Just Fore Kids, comedian and Louisville native Foster Brooks spent 25 years hosting a golf tournament to benefit Kosair Kids. Clarkson played in that pro-am event nearly every year, which drew crowds to Hurstbourne Country Club and raised more than $1 million over the years.
“It energizes me and makes me feel great,” said Clarkson. “I was a young man when the Foster Brooks Tournament started, and as I’ve grown older, I see how the tournaments have benefited the kids. Kosair for Kids is helping so many kids throughout Kentucky and southern Indiana, and that’s how it’s supposed to be. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished over the past 30 years and excited to make next year’s event bigger and better than the last so we can help even more kids.”
The success of this year’s event would not have been possible without the generosity of LeafSpring Schools of Kentucky, which served as the Presenting Sponsor, and Randy and Christe Coe, who donated $30,000.
“Supporting children and families has always been at the heart of our family’s mission and the work we do through Bufford Family Office and The Bufford Family Foundation. That’s why the work of Kosair for Kids resonates so deeply with us,” said Randy and Susan Bufford, Co-Founders, LeafSpring Schools of Kentucky. “For 30 years, the Just Fore Kids Golf Classic has brought together people who share a commitment to supporting children and families, creating a lasting tradition of giving back and making a meaningful difference in our community. We’re honored to be part of this year’s tournament and to stand alongside Kosair for Kids as they continue their important work for children across our region.”
After 30 years and more than $6 million raised for Kosair Kids, organizers of Just Fore Kids Golf Classic look forward to making an even greater impact in the years to come.