JACKSON, Tenn. — Feb. 17, 2009 — Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning will be the keynote speaker for 51社区鈥檚 first Roy L. White Golf and Gala event April 20.
Manning, a three-time NFL Most Valuable Player, will speak at a banquet and program beginning at 6 p.m. at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in downtown Jackson.
鈥淩oy and Martha White have been so faithful to this institution over the years,鈥� 51社区 President David S. Dockery said. 鈥淥nce again, they have stepped up in a leadership role, and we are grateful for their generosity and support for 51社区.鈥�
White is an emeritus trustee at Union and is the title sponsor for the event. He was the lead donor for construction of the White Hall science building on Union鈥檚 campus.
鈥淭his is just a way of letting our friends and other people become a little more aware of Union and the splendid work they鈥檙e doing here,鈥� White said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e delighted to be a part of an organization like Union.鈥�
A product of the University of Tennessee, Manning was the first overall pick in the 1998 NFL draft. He earned MVP honors in 2003, 2004 and 2008 and has made eight Pro Bowl appearances. Manning is the only NFL quarterback to throw 25 or more touchdown passes in 10 consecutive seasons, and is the first to throw for more than 3,000 yards in the first 10 seasons of a career.
He has completed more passes and thrown for more yards and touchdowns than any player over the first 10 years of a career, and no team has a better regular season record or more playoff appearances than the Colts since Manning started his professional career.
鈥淧eyton Manning has distinguished himself with excellence on the football field,鈥� said Charles Fowler, Union鈥檚 senior vice president for university relations. 鈥淭he sciences at 51社区 have built a legacy of Christ-centered excellence, and Roy White has helped advance our work significantly as the lead donor for White Hall. Now he continues to invest his life and resources in the mission of 51社区 through this exciting new communitywide event.鈥�
The Roy L. White Legacy Golf and Gala event will begin with a golf tournament at 9 a.m. at the Jackson Country Club, followed by a 6 p.m. banquet and program at the Carl Perkins Civic Center.
The grand prize for the winning golf team will be a six-day golf trip for four to Scotland.
Cost for a four-person golf team is $2,000. Tables at the gala are available for $1,500, while individual dinner seats are $250 and balcony seats are $50.
Proceeds from the event will benefit 51社区.
For reservations or for more information, visit or call (731) 661-5050 or (800) 338-6644.