Six years ago, Lewisburg’s Genia Borton participated in a half marathon to benefit St. Jude’s Children Hospital and the race course meandered through the Memphis campus where the children and families of St. Jude sat outside to cheer and greet the runners as they came by.

“It is a very emotional time for most of the runners,” Borton said. “And the next year I was allowed to tour the amazing hospital.”

Borton, who teaches cosmetology at the Spot Lowe Technology School in Lewisburg, was touched with the tour and knew she had to do something to help, so from then on she became a volunteer and started a golf tournament at the 6,7000 yard Saddle Creek Golf Club in Lewisburg.

“From that year on I decided to be a fundraiser for St Jude and each year since, I've hosted the event to help raise money for the hospital,” Borton said.

Borton raised $27,000 in the first five years of the tournament.

“This year, my friend Misti Jackson wanted to participate in the run and got on board helping with the golf event,” Borton said. “Together, Misti and I, along with our great sponsors and players raised around a total of $8,000.”

“Each year we hope to grow our event bigger and bigger and raise as much money as possible to support St. Jude,” Borton, who along with Jackson will run for St. Jude this year in the marathon in Las Vegas, said.

More than a half-century ago, entertainer Danny Thomas envisioned a hospital that would treat children regardless of race, color, creed or their family's ability to pay. A facility where research would shine light into the darkness.

Thomas’ vision became a reality when St. Jude Children's Research Hospital opened February 4, 1962. Since then, St. Jude has become one of the world's premier pediatric research institutions.

After a prayer from Brother Mark Irvin from First United Methodist Church, the 2017 event got underway with the help of many volunteers.

The shot of the day came from local standout golfer Joe Liggett, who recorded a hole-in one on the Par 3, 125-yard fifth hole to win a $1,000 clothing supplement from Travis Matthews.

Current Saddle Creek Club champion Brian Borton and Tyler Tillman both won closet to the pin and Brad Grissom won the putting contest.

The final date has not been set for next year’s event, but will either be the last week of September of the first week of October.

Results:

Championship Flight

Dwight Robinson, Bill Hutsell, Chris Lanning, David Galland-54

Brian Borton, Joe Mergler, Brad Grissom, Lane Grissom-55

Brandon Hollingsworth, Cody Vernon, Josh Lewis, Shane Vanhoven-58

Joe Tant, Straley Holton, TJ Tipps, Tyler Tillman-58

Joey Morefield, Jason Lopes, Scott Scribner, Dale Scribner-58

Al Henderson, Joe Liggett, Todd Autry, Tootles Neil-60

Paul Neese, Lauren Neese, Ed Neese, Bill Neese-61

Race Wilson Team-61

First Flight

Ryan Pewitt Team-62

Tony Haynes, Jeremy Haynes, Brandon Romer-63

Josh Cook, Kristen Smith, Chris Farris, Dave Patel-63

Paul Gaudette, Steve Hardison, Heath Gaudette, Rodney Nave-63

Kris Blalock Team-63

Tommy Harris, Terry Wallace, Troy Whitesell, Lane Whitesell-64

Bobby Beach, Barry White, Eddie Roberts, Roy Lambert-64

Mark Bozeman, Monica Bozeman, Nick Bozeman, Joe Bozeman-64

Hillard Parsons, Bubba Russell, Scott Boyd, Barry Childress-64

Second Flight

Bill Williams, Kevin Miller, Ed Oliver, Roger Harwell-65

Greg Hill Team-65

Joe Hinzman, Mary Hinzman, Jeff King, Renee King-66

Jack Freeland, Don Wilson, Donnie Griffis, Floyd Pigg-67

Wayne Daniels, Campbell Harlan, Steve Crabtree, Price Crabtree-68

Scott Garner, Chuck Coble, Payton Newton, Brian Powers-68

Barbara Woods, Larry Godbey, Ronnie Powell, Cindy Powell-69

Keith Watkins, Brian Hobbs, Tom Raiola, Elaine Raiola-70

Brian Jett, Claude Lee, Donna Lee, Scott Youngerberg-75