SUQUAMISH — Children that experience significant learning difficulties come from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds. 2017 NFL Hall of Fame inductee Kenny Easley takes this important issue to heart.
Seventeen years ago, Easley assisted with the ribbon cutting that opened Greater Trinity Academy, an Everett preschool that provides its students with individualized attention and instruction. To increase awareness and raise funds for the academy, Easley will present his seventh annual GTA Celebrity Golf Classic on July 28 at White Horse Golf Club.
“Most of our students are from families with limited incomes,” academy Director Paul Stoot said in an announcement of the golf classic. “Currently, the difference between the actual cost of running our program averages more than $200 per child per month — more than the sliding tuition and the needs-based support provided by state and federal programs. Your sponsorship of the annual celebrity golf classic assures that we can reach our fundraising goals and our academic achievements for the children.”
Throughout Easley’s career, he’s made friends that believe in supporting the community as much as he does. Scheduled to appear at this July 28 event is Jordan Babineaux (retired Seahawk and Titan safety), Pee Wee Harrison (retired Harlem Globetrotter), Dave Krieg (retired Seahawk quarterback), Steve Largent (retired Seahawk wide receiver and NFL Hall of Famer), Randall Morris (retired Seahawk and Lion running back), Slick Watts (retired SuperSonic guard), and others.
The event includes VIP social events at Clearwater Casino Resort.
“White Horse Golf Club has made the GTA Golf Classic a place that we can call home,” Easley said in the announcement. “I’ve worked many years alongside Clearwater Casino Resort GM Rich Purser, who introduced this partnership and keeps it going to this day. Because of the relationship that has grown with the Suquamish Tribe, I’ve had support through planning the event, getting it organized, financial assistance and building relationships. I couldn’t be more thankful for the support from White Horse Golf Club and the Clearwater Casino Resort for making this tournament a success every year.”
White Horse Golf Club is operated by Port Madison Enterprises, an agency of the Suquamish Tribe. It’s located a 15-minute drive from the resort, which has 186 hotel rooms with waterfront views, a full service spa, six restaurants, casino nightlife and more.
“Kenny Easley is a long-time friend and I couldn’t be happier assisting with this important event,” Purser said. “This event not only brings business to our community, but it also brings light to the important issues of child learning difficulties and raising funds to assist with such needs. I look forward to this successful year and many more to come.”
For more info about the tournament: www.gtacelebritygolfclassic.org, or contact Kate West, katieann90@hotmail.com.
About the academy: According to the academy website, Greater Trinity Academy “takes an individualized approach to education. We are attentive to the emotional, social, physical and mental needs of our students. Some children require more attention and instruction than others. Our classroom assistants and teachers aides work closely with these children to keep them on pace with the rest of the students in the class. We staff each class with a teacher and an assistant for the special needs of that classroom. Our instructors offer each child the highest quality of education possible. The staff operates as a closely-knit group.”
From left, Kenny Easley, Dave Krieg, Steve Largent, Rich Purser, and Paul Stoot at a recent planning session for the celebrity golf tournament. (Contributed photo)
