11th Annual Captain Woody Golf Tournament

Members of the Rushing family with Mayci.

The day started out cloudy, rainy, and cold. A day for golf? It didn't seem like it early in the day. But no hope was lost. There just seemed to be something a little different about this day. It was as if everyone knew the amazing day that was going to take place on October 12, 2009. One-hundred thirty-two players and approximately 30 volunteers gathered at Kimbeland Country Club in Jackson to take part in the 11th Annual Captain Woody Golf Tournament by the C.W. Rushing Charitable Trust. This tournament's main purpose is to raise money to then donate to different charities.

Just in time for tee-off, the sun peeked through the clouds and the weather took a turn for the better. It was as if someone knew the good that was going to be done on this day. Last year alone, 17 charities received donations from the C.W. Rushing Charitable Trust and over $19,000 has been raised from the 2009 tournament.

This year, the golfers themselves received a special treat. A little girl that received a donation from the C.W. Rushing Charitable Trust last year came to be introduced to them. Her name is Mayci. Mayci is nine years old and has Mitochondrial Disease. She was not expected to live past the age of three. She wasn't able to communicate herself, but her mother Kristi spoke and let the golfers know what their contributions meant to her family this past year for Mayci's Miracle Fund. Once she was finished, it was hard to find a dry eye in the place.

Mayci's Miracle Fund is just one of many worthy organizations that the C.W. Rushing Charitable Trust donates to. A charity golf tournament that was started 11 years ago has grown into an amazing purpose for the Rushing family. The idea was sparked by the late Captain Woody Rushing, and the Rushing family, along with many friends, have taken it to soaring heights, changing many lives along the way. One can only imagine what the future holds for this organization. It's a very exciting thought.

By the end of the night on October 12, 2009, everyone would agree that there really was something different about this day. So thanks again to the volunteers, the wonderful staff of Kimbeland Country Club, sponsors, and of course the golfers. It was another very successful year. Just think of the difference that we made working together!