Third annual Dat Dad’s Club golf tournament to benefit trio of families

Glenn Singleton signs a copy of his new book, “Crossing Over: A Tribute to Don Raymond” at the East Regional Library.

The Annual Dat Dads’ Club Golf Tournament has already accomplished much to help those in need over its first two years in play, and as it gears up for its third year proceeds will benefit three more local families facing very difficult battles.

The families of Glenn Singleton, Macy and Mia Wright and Malissa Gore will be the recipients of funds raised via the tournament, which will take place on Friday, April 29 at Grand Ridge Golf Course.

“We’ve gotten some great feedback so far … we’re shooting for 32 teams this year,” said Scott Bordelon of Dat Dads Club. “And we’re really glad to be getting back to it after COVID, It’s been a little while since the last one and we’re hoping for a great turnout.”

The club hasn’t been able to hold the tourney for the past two years due to COVID-19. Singleton was scheduled to be the beneficiary of a scheduled tourney last October, but that event had to be cancelled.

Maci Wright was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in June after initially being misdiagnosed, resulting in her spending a week in ICU care. Her sister Mia Wright has been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease after being admitted to Children’s Hospital in October. Their portion of funds raised will go toward offsetting medical bills that have been accumulating.

Singleton is an Ama resident and has lived in St. Charles Parish all his life. He is in the midst of a battle with gastric stomach cancer and has endured three surgeries. Singleton is a member of the St. Mark’s Perpetual Adoration Chapel (where he has volunteered for 13 years) in Ama, has always been active in the community, coaching in local booster clubs and even served on the Dat Dads’ Club Committee to select prior beneficiaries.

He is also a historian and an author, combining those passions to educate younger generations on those who came before.

In particular, Singleton loves to highlight trailblazers in the black community. His book, Crossing Over: A Tribute to Don Raymond chronicles the life and death of former Hahnville High athletic star Don Raymond, the first black four-sport letterman in Louisiana history. Likewise, Singleton’s home hosts something of a local landmark in the community: his Muhammed Ali museum, where the walls are adorned with countless photos of “The Greatest of All Time.” Singleton, the self-professed number one fan of Ali, shows others the display to teach about Ali’s accomplishments.

Gore, a teacher and coach at R.K. Smith Middle School for the past 16 years, was diagnosed with ALS in February, news that came after months of testing.

Malissa Gore, pictured in the blue shirt, has been supported by work colleagues and friends following her diagnosis.

A dedicated educator, she utilizes technology to be able to continue teaching her students as her mobility and speech ability declines. Upon her diagnosis, friends, co-workers and community members began to rally around her, organizing different fundraisers and pitching in to help her endure the adjustments and changes to her day-to-day life brought on by the illness.

While she is currently mobile, a wheelchair could be necessary by the end of the school year, and tournament funds are being directed to help her address that and other needs.

Team entry for the tourney is $400 for a team of four.  Golfers will enjoy a round of golf, free food and drinks on the course.

Corporate and hole sponsorships are also available for those who would like to participate. For more information on Dat Dads’ Club or to register for the tournament, visit www.datdadsclub.com.

 

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