We are all aware of the ongoing Covid-19 global pandemic and its impact on communities throughout our country. East Tennessee, including Blount County, has experienced a significant rise in coronavirus cases over the past month. The virus has been especially tough on the elderly.
As many of you know, I started this tournament to support two groups that are of particular importance to me, senior members of our community as well as youth. The primary organizations that tournament proceeds benefit are Alzheimer’s Tennessee and the Blount County Boys and Girls Club. I would never do anything to jeopardize the health and well-being of any community member, including our older and younger citizens.
For the reasons stated above and after careful consultation with community leaders and healthcare professionals, I have made the difficult decision to postpone this year’s Tom Hatcher Charity golf tournament from the original date of July 17, 2020. We hope to be able to hold the event on a yet to be determined date in October of this year.
Each event sponsor and participant is the reason the tournament has become the unequivocal success that it has become with over $ 400,000.00 being donated to our recipient organizations over the last 7 years. I have talked to several of the major supporters and sponsors regarding this postponement decision and have been overwhelmed with their kindness and continued support. While I hope to speak with many participants, I hope this letter will be sufficient for those I am unable to reach in person. I would especially like to thank the major sponsors of fspoke.com and Walmart and the host site, Lambert Acres, for their support and cooperation.
All activities, including the much-anticipated Harley Davidson raffle, will be held on the new event date. In the period between now and the new event date, my tremendous team of volunteers and I will continue to work to make this tournament even more successful. For any group or individuals who cannot participate on the new date, I will happily provide them a full refund or apply their fee as a donation, whichever they prefer.
Please watch for updates on our website, through media outlets like the Daily Times and other communication avenues. In the meantime, I thank you for your continued understanding and support and hope everyone stays safe and healthy.