What started out as something purposeful and with passion 15 year ago, has blossomed into something that not even Dale Fowler thought would be possible.
His mission statement with the Fowler Bonan "Clothes For SI Kids" Golf junior golf event back in 2002 was to just put some clothes or shoes on one kid -- maybe five.
To the equivalent of a teenager, Fowler's modest and simplistic golf tournament has turned into one of the go-to events in the southern Illinois summer.
"We're already having people who want to enter," Fowler said.
The tournament, for children age 4 to 18, will be held on July 20, starting at 8:30 a.m., and at its rightful home, Shawnee Hills Country Club in Harrisburg.
The tournament has seen many different venues since its inception, including Franklin County Country Club in West Frankfort and Jackson County Country Club in Carbondale and tournament has seen an increase in growth the same way the foundation has been able to help under privileged children -- slow and steady.
"Here we are 15 years later and we help 19 counties in southern Illinois, including thousands of children," said Kerry Camp, Executive Director of the Foundation.
Fowler knows the importance of helping children and what a new pair of shoes or clean clothes mean in today's society and in school. It's something he takes seriously, but with the golf tournament, his stance is different.
"Have fun," Fowler said. "The main thing we did, the key component when we started this whole thing, was I promised the kid that doesn't even know how to play golf that he or she could come out and play a few holes and have fun. There is also the division for the more accomplished golfer, but the main thing is the friendly atmosphere we try to provide."
This year's tournament will also see some new sponsorship as Pepsi will be providing drinks the day of the tournament and Krispy Kreme will be providing donuts. Peoples National Bank will continue as the event's primary presenting sponsor.
Fowler said his message to those that attend, will be the same just as it was year one.
"Something I will tell everyone that plays in this tournament and it's something I said the very first year and it's something I'll say next year or for the next 15 years, if it weren't for the kids playing in this event, we couldn't have it and we couldn't help all the kids we do in southern Illinois. So to them, thank you."
Michael Dann covers prep and college sports for the Harrisburg Register, Eldorado Journal & The Gallatin County Democrat. Follow him on Twitter: @spydieshooter.
What: Fowler Bonan Foundation "Clothes For SI Kids" Youth Golf Day
Where: Shawnee Hills Country Club
When: July 20
Time: 8:30 a.m.
For more information or to register for the tournament, visit www.fowlerbonanfoudnation.com, or call 618-231-3904.
