ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. – Soon after arriving at Auburn in 2014, Bruce and Brandy Pearl discovered Children's Harbor, the start of a productive partnership.
Pearl hosted his 10th annual Fore the Children Golf Classic Monday at Willow Point Golf and Country Club, an event that has raised approximately $1.4 million to date to benefit the nearby non-profit that provides no-cost services to children and families facing health challenges.
"To whom much is given, much is expected," said Pearl, whose foundation focuses on supporting faith-based charities that benefit kids and cancer patients. "Kids with all kinds of health challenges and their families get to come out to beautiful Lake Martin and have an amazing experience."
Presented by Russell Lands and Alabama Power, Fore the Children has sold out every year since its 2014 inception.
"If we don't raise funds through the generous support of the Auburn family, it doesn't happen," said Pearl, thanking sponsors Alfa, Triad, SmartBank, Premium Beverage, Coca-Cola and Golden Flake.
Speaking to reporters, Pearl congratulated Johni Broome on his invitation to the NBA Draft Combine after his strong showing at the G League Elite camp.
"He's able to score, he played physically, he's got a high basketball IQ," said Pearl of Broome, who led the Tigers with 14.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game last season. "He did great. We're rooting for Johni on one hand. On the other hand, we'd obviously love to have him back because he could be one of the best players preseason in college basketball next year."
While Auburn looks to add another wing player to next season's roster, Pearl likes the Tigers' backcourt, which will feature five-star freshman point guard Aden Holloway.
"Aden and Tre (Donaldson) are going to have a tremendous competition for the starting point guard position, they're both going to play," Pearl said. "Both are good with the ball and without the ball. That's going to be fun to watch.
"There's going to be great competition at every position. We always talk about having at least two at every spot and we're getting close to that."
First-year Auburn football coach Hugh Freeze made his Fore the Children debut, strengthening the friendship the coaches have established during this spring's AMBUSH alumni events.
"He's working every day, all day," Pearl said. "He is absolutely the man for the job. He's prepared his whole life to be here at this time in his life. He gets it, he gets Auburn completely.
"He's already rejuvenated our roster, and he's still working it. I know he's got a brilliant offensive mind. He's been great to work with."
While keeping in contact with prospective student-athletes over the past week, Pearl tried to unplug while he and Brandy visited Israel with friends, his third trip to the Holy Land in the past year.
"I've got my batteries charged," he said. "It was good to spend all that time with the Lord."
Bruce Pearl thanks Fore the Children participants Monday at Willow Point
"We're going to have a great, great day."
— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) May 15, 2023
🗣️@coachbrucepearl
Just back from 🇮🇱, BP is hosting his 10th annual Fore the Children Golf Classic at Willow Point.
This event has raised close to $1.5 million for @ChildrensHarbor #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/mqeqvpdy2i
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer