News Release: 9/16/2026

27th Annual D&F Charity Trust Alabama Golf Classic Raises
Funds for Alabama Families and Future Agricultural Leaders

GLENCOE, Ala. — On September 11, 2026, the D&F Charity Trust gathered golfers, sponsors, and supporters at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Silver Lakes for the 27th Annual Alabama Golf Classic. Now in its 27th year, the tournament has raised more than $3 million gross for the benefit of Alabama families and students, and this year’s event continued that tradition of generosity with another day of competition, community, and purpose.

The American flag flew at half mast throughout the day, and a moment of silence was observed in honor of the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Prior to the cart send off, D&F Equipment Sales founder and D&F Charity Trust founder Larry Fortenberry addressed the crowd with a perspective that comes from 27 years of giving back.

“D&F does not take a nickel,” Fortenberry said. “It takes a lot of people to put this golf tournament on.” He noted that the trust has raised more than $3 million gross over its lifetime, with proceeds split between endowed scholarships at Auburn University’s College of Agriculture and direct support for families who lack the resources to cover medical and adaptive living needs.

Current CEO and President Dawn Knox echoed that spirit of gratitude as she welcomed attendees.

“After 27 years, this is amazing that we’ve been able to keep it going, and it’s because of you guys,” Knox said. “I want to say a big thank you to all the sponsors we have had, because if it weren’t for you, this wouldn’t be happening.”

The tournament proceeded through the morning until a wave of thunder and rain brought the round to an early close, a first in the event’s 27-year history. Players came inside with high spirits, where lunch and an awards ceremony awaited.

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Holly Edwards, Social Work Administrator and Office Coordinator for the Gadsden office of Alabama’s Children’s Rehabilitation Services (CRS), addressed the room with a firsthand account of the trust’s impact.

“What D&F Charity does is step in and fill the gap where we can’t,” Edwards said. “They help our families be able to meet needs that we are unable to help them meet.”

Edwards described past projects funded through the trust, including bathroom remodels, wheelchair ramps, and most recently, a specialized Z-Pod bed for a child with autism and pica, a child who had previously eaten mattresses, walls, and zippers. The bed, she explained, gave his mother the ability to sleep at night for the first time in years.

“D&F steps in when insurance can’t, and they really help our families out in ways that nobody else can,” Edwards said. “This makes a huge difference in the lives of our families.”

CRS operates 14 offices statewide, covering every county in Alabama. The Gadsden office serves Blount, Etowah, and DeKalb counties, working with children and families facing special healthcare needs. Alongside CRS, proceeds from the Alabama Golf Classic fund two endowed scholarships for students pursuing agriculture-related degrees at the Auburn University College of Agriculture, investing in the next generation of industry leaders.

The day concluded with door prizes, hole prizes, and championship belts awarded to the winning team. Despite the early exit from the course, the 27th Annual D&F Charity Trust Alabama Golf Classic delivered on its 27-year promise: bringing a community together to do  Whatever it Takes for the people who need it most.

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About D&F Charity Trust: With an annual Golf Classic in Alabama each fall and one in Arkansas each spring, along with other prosperous fundraising events, D&F Charity Trust is proud to play a role in helping those who need it and providing support to students who are the next generation of the poultry, meat, and prepared foods industry. D&F Charity Trust accepts donations year-round. For more information about D&F Charity Trust or to
contribute, please visit: https://dfcharitytrust.com/