For 35 years, the Angel Tree Golf Tournament has brought together Alabama Power and Southern Company employees around a shared purpose: helping make Christmas brighter for children and families across central Alabama. This year’s event continued that tradition in a major way, raising $100,000 for Salvation Army Angel Tree gifts.
The tournament at Robert Trent Jones Oxmoor Valley Country Club drew 72 teams for a day filled with friendly competition, fellowship and community spirit. Behind the scenes, volunteers from the Alabama Power Service Organization’s (APSO) Magic City Chapter and Power Delivery dedicated countless hours to planning and organizing the event.
“The tournament gave me the opportunity to volunteer,” said tournament co-chair Clayton Bowden. “I’ve gradually gotten more and more involved, and all of us were glad for a chance to help in a really good cause.”
Bowden, who joined Magic City APSO in 2022, served on the planning committee this year after spending the past several years supporting the event in different capacities. He said the tournament’s success reflects employees’ commitment to helping their community.
The 6½-hour event was chaired by Tyler Hamm, assistant to the vice president of Technical Shared Services Engineering, with Transmission Engineering Services Manager Gary Gorham serving as executive sponsor.
The tournament has become more than an annual fundraiser. It is a longstanding tradition fueled by employees who believe in giving back. Alabama Power and Southern Company employees take part each year, helping create a strong network of support for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.
For many volunteers, the effort extends well beyond the golf course. In November, members of the APSO Magic City Chapter will head to Walmart with Angel Tree wish lists in hand, shopping for children and families supported through the fundraiser. Additional support will come from Power Delivery’s 23rd annual Clay Shoot fundraiser held Sept. 3 at Selwood Farm in Alpine, Alabama.
Employees say the mission behind the event is what keeps them returning year after year.
“I have been involved with the tournament for many years, and I’m so proud of what we do to support such a worthy cause,” said Cindy Ledbetter, contracts agent in Supply Chain Management – Power Delivery Category Management and Transactions.
What began 35 years ago as a charitable tournament has grown into a powerful example of employee generosity and service. With every swing, sponsorship and volunteer hour, participants continue building a tradition that delivers joy to families during the holidays.
Courtesy of Alabama News Center
