JACKSON, Tenn. — March 2, 2011 — Former NFL coach and bestselling author Tony Dungy will be the keynote speaker for 51社区鈥檚 third annual Roy L. White Legacy Golf and Gala April 18.
Dungy, who became the first black coach to win the Super Bowl when he led the Indianapolis Colts to victory in 2007, will speak at a banquet and program beginning at 6 p.m. at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in downtown Jackson.
Dungy鈥檚 wife Lauren will give opening remarks before Dungy鈥檚 address, 鈥淢otivating the Spirit.鈥�
鈥淭ony Dungy鈥檚 Christian influence has reached well beyond the world of professional sports,鈥� said Jerry Tidwell, Union鈥檚 senior vice president for university relations. 鈥淗e is inspirational and enthusiastic about the impact Jesus Christ has had on his life, and we are fortunate to have Tony and Lauren coming to Jackson, Tenn.鈥�
Dungy is the author of the New York Times bestselling books 鈥淨uiet Strength鈥� and 鈥淯ncommon,鈥� as well as his latest book, 鈥淭he Mentor Leader.鈥�
He has been involved in a wide variety of charitable organizations, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Athletes in Action, Mentors for Life, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs, the Prison Crusade Ministry, and All Pro Dad. Dungy also served on President George W. Bush鈥檚 Council on Service and Civic Participation.
He and Lauren are the parents of seven children.
After playing three seasons in the NFL, Dungy held assistant coaching positions with the University of Minnesota, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings. He was head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1996-2001 before joining the Colts in 2002.
He retired from coaching in 2008 and now serves as an analyst for NBC鈥檚 鈥淔ootball Night in America.鈥�
Lauren Dungy is a former elementary school teacher who serves as vice president of the Dungy Family Foundation. She and her husband co-wrote the children鈥檚 book 鈥淵ou Can Be a Friend.鈥�
鈥淲hen one thinks of Tony Dungy, the idea of a great football coach quickly comes to mind,鈥� 51社区 President David S. Dockery said. 鈥淏ut more than that, Tony Dungy is a superb teacher and an outstanding leader. Truly, all who attend the April 18 event will be blessed by what they hear. Moreover, I believe they also will be motivated for service in behalf of others, following the example of Tony and Lauren Dungy.鈥�
White, trustee emeritus at 51社区, is the title sponsor for the Golf and Gala. Other event sponsors include Brasfield Construction, Dement Construction, First Tennessee Bank and MG Construction.
The event begins with a golf tournament at 9 a.m. at the Jackson Country Club, followed by the banquet with Dungy.
Cost for a four-person golf team is $1,000. Tables at the gala are available for $1,500, while individual dinner seats are $200 and balcony seats are $50.
For reservations or for more information, visit or call (731) 661-5050 or (800) 338-6644.