By Amanda Pevey
Elmore/Autauga News
Pictures by Amanda Pevey and Marcus Jackson
May 10-11 the Marlon and Marcus Foundation held its third annual Celebrity Golf Classic and All-Star Party at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Capitol Hill and Clubhouse in Prattville. Marlon Anderson and Marcus Jackson are the founders of the Foundation. Over 250 guests and many celebrities attended this amazing All-Star party event. Both events were sold out. Tonya Terry, former WSFA anchor was the MC for the second year at the event. Hannah Laschinger and Thea Langley organized the event.
It was a great opening dinner with fabulous food, drinks, live DJ with Steve Haynes, Dessert Bar, Bourbon Bar, Cigars, and much more were all included.
“I could not be happier that we sold out our party and golf classic tournament event,” said Marcus Jackson, founder of the Marlon and Marcus Foundation. He continued, “Everyone had a great time at this wonderful venue. We appreciate all of the support that we’ve gotten locally and nationally. We are especially proud of our community that comes out to support our mission year after year. I am grateful for our celebrities that made their way to Prattville to support us! It gives many of our supporters the opportunity to meet people that they’ve only had a chance to see them on television.”
Event Sponsors included Wiggins Incorporated and Superior Facility Services, LLC. Party Sponsors included Kyle Shirley, Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce, Calhoon Law, LLC, Petrunic Orthodontics, Morris Builders, LLC, Buffalo Rock, EyeCare Plus, Riverfell Alabama, ProHealth Care, Steinwinder & Ratliff, LLC Attorneys at Law. Grand Slam Sponsors included Day Structures and Timberline Fisheries. Golf Shirt Sponsors includes Chik-fil-A. Board member Brent Fykes and CIBC was the Golf Ball Sponsor. Hudson Home Designs and KM Designs Inc. was the Golf Hat Sponsor. Wilson Pickett Jr. Legacy was also a sponsor for the third annual Marlon and Marcus Celebrity Golf Classic event.
“We would like to thank our wonderful sponsors for their generous contributions over the last three years,” said Jackson. He continued, “We are committed to ensuring that these contributions are used to promote the well being and inclusion of children who are often left out due to financial constraints. We are moving closer to our goal every year and for that we are extremely grateful.”
During the All-Star event, individuals had the opportunity to mingle among the celebrities, enjoy delicious southern food, purchase a raffle ticket, and a silent auction was held. Marlon and Marcus read a plaque to the attendees in memory of Henry “Mr. Roscoe” Robinson who recently passed away on May 3rd. Robinson was the President of the North Highland Community Center and one of their major supporters. He has been a part of what we are doing at North Highland. He served as a mentor to Marlon and Marcus and he was the Pillar in their community and will be sorely missed by many.
“I have known Councilman Jackson for almost 20 years,” said Anthony Brock, Head of School and Co-Founder of Valiant Cross Academy in Montgomery, Alabama. He continued, “I had the honor to mentor young men and women in the Autauga County School system with him for almost ten years. Councilman Jackson has been a consistent advocate for young people and the Prattville community. The event was amazing as always and I look forward to seeing the work of the Marlon and Marcus Foundation for years to come.”
During the Celebrity Golf Classic tournament, the Marlon and Marcus Foundation sponsored two students to attend the 4-H camp and presented them with a check.
The Foundation was founded in December 2020. Marlon and Marcus grew up together in Prattville. They played sports like little league and shooting hoops on the courts of North Highland Park. Though their lives took them on different paths, their desire to serve the community they came from kept them connected. The purpose of the Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of children and their families in underserved communities, particularly in the founders’ hometown of Prattville.
The Foundation is rooted in service and seeks to empower young people through education, resources, and experiences. The vision of the Foundation is to build a world class Multi-Purpose Activity Facility on the site of the North Highland Memorial Community Center Complex in one of Prattville’s most underserved and historic areas. Programming at the facility will include academic support, sports, mentoring, a community garden, senior wellness activities, and exposure to the arts. In addition, the Foundation will serve as a vehicle to provide scholarships and promote college and career readiness programs. Over the years, both Marlon and Marcus have shown their commitment to serving young people in the community. The Foundation aims to take that service to the next level and build a legacy for generations to come.
Renderings for the Dream Center at North Highland were unveiled on May 10th, 2021 at first Marlon and Marcus Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic. The facility will have three phases of construction to bring it to completion.
Special thanks to special celebrities that included:
Roman Harper is a Super Bowl Champion (XLIV), New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame, 2x Pro Bowler.
Reggie Sanders is a 2001 World Series Champion, 1995 MLB ALL-STAR, member of Major League Baseball’s 300-300 Club (300 home runs and 300 stolen bases).
Ray Lankford is a St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame, 1997 MLB ALL-STAR.
Marquis Grissom is a Former Atlanta Braves baseball player.
Marvin Freeman is a Former Atlanta Braves baseball player.
Antonio Langham is a Former University of Alabama great and National Champion.
Keven Jackson is a Former University of Alabama All American.
Stacy Harrison is a Former Alabama Football player.
Austin Golson is a Former Auburn Football player.
Mike Mordecai is a Former Atlanta Braves baseball player.
Tonya Terry is a Former WSFA anchor.
DJ Steven Haynes was the first Prattville High School athlete to sign a professional contract in any sport. He is also the Owner of DJ Haynes/In the Groove DJ Entertainment.
Shasta Averyhardt is a Golf Pro athlete and was in attendance at the Celebrity Golf Classic Tournament.
For more information or to donate to the Marlon and Marcus Foundation please visit their website at: https://www.marlonandmarcusfoundation.org. You can also visit their Facebook page at: https://www.Facebook.com/MarlonMarcusFoundation. See more photos from the two-day event below in the gallery.
