LENOIR CITY, Tenn. — The 25th Annual Phillip Fulmer Golf Classic was held at the Avalon Country Club in Lenoir City on Friday to raise money for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley.
The event has raised $2.8 million since it began in 2000, and former Tennessee football head coach and athletic director Phillip Fulmer said the impact that money has on the community far exceeds the amount raised.
"When people are willing to support and help as much as this community has done, it comes back tenfold to the community as the young people move on and do great things because of the opportunity," Fulmer said.
Fulmer said the cause is near and dear to him because of what it provides young people.
"It's a safe place for kids to go, and grow," Fulmer said. "Somewhere along the line, somebody helped us all."
The event also gives VFLs a chance to return to the Knoxville area and see old friends, all while helping support their former head coach's fundraiser.
"It's always good to come back, especially for a great cause," said Jamal Lewis, a former Tennessee running back. "I'm proud to be able to come in and help raise funds or whatever we need to do."
"It's huge for me because I was a Boys and Girls Club kid," said Deon Grant, a former Tennessee defensive back. "So to raise money, I know how far that can go for the kids, how important it is for the kids also. So, it's super special for me."
Fulmer said the support from his former players goes a long way and it also means a lot to him personally.
"They add an awful lot," Fulmer said. "Particularly 25 years after our national championship, that they would still come back and help this community."