Now that the former Davidson College basketball star has gone on to National Basketball Association fame and fortune with the Golden State Warriors, he hasn’t forgotten the tiny school and the town he put on the national map with the Wildcats’ deep run in the NCAA Tournament in 2008, nor his affinity for the Ada Jenkins Center.
That’s why Curry, along with his father, retired NBA star and former Charlotte Hornet Dell, have redirected the proceeds of the annual Curry Classic Celebrity Golf Tournament to benefit the center, which serves as a hub of a number of programs serving those in need in northern Mecklenburg and southern Iredell counties.
The tournament will be Monday, June 20, at River Run Country Club in Davidson, and includes celebrities such as former NBA and N.C. State star Rodney Monroe, former National Football League players Victor Jones, Tim McKyer, Muhsin Muhammad, Adrian Murrell, Brian Stablein, Perry Tuttle and Leonard Wheeler; former senior PGA Tour player Walter Morgan; NASCAR driver Dennie Hamlin; former University of North Carolina basketball coach Bill Guthridge; and more.
Along with a silky smooth jumper and killer instinct, the father/son Curry duo also share a love of golf. Both are 5-handicappers, and now Stephen is using his off-the-court passion to follow his father’s footsteps in another direction, philanthropy. Effectively turned over to Stephen to carry on, this is the second year the tournament has benefitted the Ada Jenkins Center, last year raising about $10,000 to support its after-school program and general operations.
“We are so glad he was a volunteer here when he was in school and he remembered us when he hit the big time,” says Georgia Krueger, who runs the Ada Jenkins Center. “He’s such a wonderful young man and that family has such great moral value and commitment to this community, and it has played out in the children. That’s such a good thing.”
Krueger recalls when Stephen would come to the center to hold mini-basketball clinics for the children in the after-school program, especially around the time when he was leading the Wildcats to the Elite 8 in the NCAA Tournament. They all knew who he was, and they were captivated.
“They loved it,” says Krueger. “They were totally engaged because it was Steph and they all knew who he was and they were very excited about it.”
Stephen Curry won’t be available to play in this year’s tournament as he recovers from ankle surgery following the end of his second season with the Warriors. But, says father Dell, he willbe at the event, visiting with players and participating in other tournament activities. The elderCurry says he is pleased to see his son beginning to step into his shoes, and to carry on the Curryfamily legacy of giving back.
“This is really significant to Steph and he wants to always be remembered as part of the Davidson community and to help give back,” said Dell Curry in a story in last week’s Citizen. “He wanted to have a golf tournament and he wants to carry it forward, and I want to help him do that. I’ve done all of these things before and now it’s his turn and this is where I want to put my energy.”
The previous beneficiary of the Curry Classic had been an organization founded by Dell and another former Hornet called Athletes United For Youth. Following a run of several years, that program was dissolved and, with Stephen’s involvement, the focus was redirected toward theAda Jenkins Center.
Last year, the center relocated and expanded its Loaves and Fishes food pantry, with more than double the space and a dedicated entrance for clients. Krueger says the center also recently launched its “Freedom School,” a collaboration between the Children’s Defense Fund, Davidson College and the Ada Jenkins Center. The focus is to enable students in upper elementary to middle school grades realize their identity, focus on civics and keep their minds sharp throughthe summer.
Registration for Monday’s tournament will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a shotgun start. An awards ceremony and dinner will be held in the clubhouse following golf. For $500 per player, each foursome will include one celebrity. For more information about the tournament, visit www.curryclassic.com. For more information about the Ada Jenkins Center, visit www.adajenkins.org or call 704-896-0811.
