ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. – Before teeing off in the 12th annual Fore the Children Golf Classic Monday at Wicker Point Golf Club, Bruce Pearl reflected on the impact the event’s beneficiary, Children’s Harbor, delivers to hurting kids and families.
Shortly after arriving on the Plains in 2014, Pearl and his wife, Brandy, began a partnership with Children’s Harbor, a nearby non-profit that provides no-cost services to children and families facing health challenges.
“There’s no better way of giving back,” he said. “We can’t do it without all the people who come play in this tournament every single year. This is a real treat.”
By hosting the sold-out golf tournament, the Pearls’ foundation provides financial resources and awareness, says Children’s Harbor’s chief executive officer.
“They’re one of our, if not the largest donor,” Children’s Harbor CEO Cat Outzen said. “Probably $1.2 million dollars in 12 years, which is just astonishing. We would not be able to serve the families and children we do without them. It’s great to have Bruce Pearl on your side.
“The kids and families know he’s rooting for them. He has such worldwide recognition. For him to support what we do and see the benefit, and to bring the media, sponsors, donors and recognition, it’s something these families with seriously ill children have never had before.”
Fresh off leading Auburn to the Final Four for the second time in six years, Pearl is nearly finished with a roster rebuild, pending the signing of one more post player and the upcoming decision of point guard Tahaad Pettiford whether to remain in the NBA draft or return to the Plains for his sophomore season.
“Last year’s team made history,” said Pearl, who led Auburn lto its fifth Southeastern Conference championship (three regular season, two tournament) in the past eight years. “It’s going to be interesting to see how we defend. We had a really good defensive team. That was where our bread was buttered. That’s going to probably be our biggest challenge.”
Monday’s golf tournament was the final event for assistant coach Chad Prewett, who is entering full-time ministry after helping Pearl for the past 11 seasons at Auburn.
“We made history together, Chad Prewett and myself and this coaching staff,” Pearl said. “Chad was a great leader. Our program is based on family and faith. Chad and his family embody that. It’s always been about making a difference in young people’s lives. He’s one of my best hires. Chad worked his way up and helped us with so many things and the development of our program. He’s one of the best scouts I had. We’ll miss him but I’m really happy for him.”
“We got our basketball team this year to call God. God called Chad Prewett into the ministry.”
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer