The Sterling Companies - Freedom Classic Golf Tournament


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Destin, Fla - March 2007 - The Sterling Companies, Northwest Florida’s largest privately-held development, sales and resort management firm, teamed up with 11 other sponsors on Tuesday, February 20 to host the second annual Freedom Classic golf tournament and fundraiser (www.FreedomClassic.net) honoring the sacrifices of America’s brave servicemen and women.

The Freedom Classic brought together more than 550 soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines for a day of golf, entertainment, food and fun. In addition, the event raised $5,000 for the Air Force Enlisted Widows’ Village, a charity providing homes and financial assistance to widows of enlisted Air Force members.

“We are so pleased to have served as host for an event that continues to show our deepest appreciation for those who have served and who are currently serving our nation,” said Buddy Runnels, chairman of The Sterling Companies, the founding company and a sponsor of this event. “Beyond tripling in size, this year’s Freedom Classic raised money for a worthy cause and continued to help reach our goal of becoming a national event.”

Outstanding individuals from each of the branches of the military were hand-picked by their commanders to take a well-deserved break from duties and play in the four-on-four golf tournament fundraiser held at three of Northwest Florida’s championship golf courses: the Nicklaus-course at Bay Point Resort in Panama City Beach, Fla., the Fred Couples Championship course at Kelly Plantation in Destin, Fla. and The Moors, designed by John B. LaFoy, in Milton, Fla.

The troops enjoyed a day of festivities and fun, including breakfast, lunch and a special presentation ceremony honoring their service. Composer and local celebrity pianist David Seering made an unforgettable appearance at the Nicklaus-course at Bay Point, performing his song, “My Brother,” written about the feelings experienced when loved ones are serving the nation in war.

The tournament, founded in 2006 by The Sterling Companies to honor Colonel W.W. Hurt, was sponsored by The Sterling Companies, AI Group Architects of Atlanta, Coastal Community Bank, the Nicklaus-course at Bay Point, Kelly Plantation Golf Club, The Moors, Express Mail Service, Karen and Earl Durden, C.W. Roberts, Olsen & Associates, Vanguard Bank and Yates Construction. The tournament is operated by Freedom Classic Golf, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

For more information about the second annual Freedom Classic Golf Tournament or to become a sponsor for this annual event, visit www.FreedomClassic.net.