North Jefferson News, North Jefferson, AL
April 30, 2010
Celebrities show in force for tourney
From staff reports
The North Jefferson News
NORTH JEFFERSON — A day of golf, good food, autographs, laughter and fellowship took place April 19 at Castle Pines Golf Course to benefit the scholarship fund established in memory of Katie Burkett.
More than 250 people participated in the event either playing or volunteering.
Participants included former Alabama football teammates and friends of Mike “Bucket” Burkett, (Katie’s father), including Jeff Bentley, Paul Carruth, Curt Jarvis, Coach Joe Kines, and Prince Wimbley. Also present were Auburn football standouts Randy Campbell, Ben Tamburello and Stan White, to name a few.
Other participants were golfer Kyle Sapp, local and state government officials, clergy, doctors, lawyers, business owners, educators, students, family and friends from as far away as California.
Fox 6 television sports anchor Sheldon Haygood played and reported on the event.
“It’s overwhelming, the response,” said Tynette Grissom, Katie Burkett’s mother. “Loss of a loved one, especially a child, can destroy the entire family. In our case this was an opportunity to work together to honor her life and help others. It was an emotional day. Katie was excited to get the attention.”
Jeff Powell, tournament director, announced a profit of $15,000, which ensures future scholarships to Gardendale High School students.
Katie Burkett was an achiever, a giver of time and service, according to Greg Maxwell, a member of the Katie Burkett Memorial Scholarship Committee.
Maxwell said the scholarship committee and the family want to continue to honor and celebrate her life on earth.
This year’s recipient of a $1,000 scholarship will be named at the Gardendale High School awards night in May.
The Katie Burkett Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament
Score A Hole- In-One In Memory of Katie
“May the Spirit of the Team Never Be Broken!”
Date: Monday, April 19, 2010
Time: 12:30 Shotgun start
Place: Castle Pines Golf Course
Gardendale, Alabama