NASCAR veteran Bobby Allison (left) is honorary chair and Gary Simmons is the organizer of the Save a Life Classic Oct. 6 at Trump National Golf Club.
Gary Simmons is alive today because of a liver transplant in early 2013. Now he’s spreading the word and ‘paying it forward’ by organizing a charity golf tournament on Lake Norman. Nearly 100 golfers are expected at the first Save a Life Golf Classic next Monday, Oct. 6, 2014, at Trump National Golf Club in Mooresville.
Organizers say the charity tournament is expected to raise at least $40,000 and help bring awareness about organ donation. Proceeds will go to LifeShare of the Carolinas, which helps find organs in southwestern NC.
Simmons, of Davidson, is the husband of the Rev. Lib McGregor Simmons, pastor of Davidson College Presbyterian Church. He said he wants not only to raise money, but to help reverse the trend of declining organ donor registrations.
“We recipients all want to pay it forward and help save others, ” Simmons said.
Simmons was near death in January 2013 after painkillers he received after a 2008 knee replacement triggered an inherited liver condition. His cirrhosis was at a point where only a transplant would save him. Fortunately, a donated liver became available, and after a seven-hour operation Simmons was on the road to recovery.
He later learned the name of his donor, and met her family. And he began planning for the golf tournament as a way to give back.
He said LifeShare is critical to saving patients’ lives. “Their role in ministering to families during the most heart-wrenching time with their loved-one is the vital service that saves more lives,” he said.
GOLF, MUSIC AND MORE
Monday’s tournament will begin with registration at 10am, followed by a shotgun start at 11am. When play concludes sometime after 4pm, a reception is planned with local band Highway 12, winners of America’s Got Talent Charlotte region.
Emcee for the program will be Davidson College basketball coach Bob McKillop.
Also helping out with the Save a Life Classic are Honorary Chair and retired NASCAR driver Bobby Allison and Honorary Host Eric Trump, of the Trump National.
RELATED LINKS
Tournament website: www.SaveALifeGolfClassic.org.
Tournament beneficiary LifeShare of the Carolinas.
Dec. 26, 2013, DavidsonNews.net, “Gary Simmons gives thanks, spreads the word about organ donation”
