Topeka Nonprofit Sole Reason Teeing Up For 7th Annual Sneakers & Smiles Golf Classic
A Topeka-based nonprofit dedicated to providing new shoes to local children in need is gearing up for its annual summer golf classic. Sole Reason’s 7th annual Sneakers & Smiles Golf Tournament, a two-day fundraising event designed to raise both awareness and funds for a child-centered community cause, is teeing off Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28 at Cypress Ridge Golf Course, 2533 S.W. Urish Road.
Sole Reason is seeking teams and sponsors to make this year’s event a success. The tournament follows a four-person scramble format, and team registration includes green fees, cart, drinks, breakfast, and lunch. The entry fee is $380 per team. Sponsorship levels range from $150 to $1,000, providing businesses with valuable visibility on-site, online, and in promotional materials throughout the year. The top sponsorship level also includes team registration.
“This is our primary fundraising event of the year. Every dollar raised through the tournament helps us put new sneakers on the feet of children right here in Topeka,” said Jerry Hudgins, founder and executive director of Sole Reason. “When a child gets a new pair of shoes, it’s more than just a gift. It’s a boost to their confidence and a reminder that their community believes in them.”
Last year’s tournament helped Sole Reason distribute hundreds of pairs of sneakers to children across Shawnee County, fulfilling the nonprofit’s motto: “Putting sneakers on their feet and smiles on their faces.” This year, the organization hopes to increase its impact, with help from local partners and supporters. Sole Reason is proud to have donated more than 9,300 pairs of shoes since its founding in 2016.
Participants in this year’s Sneakers & Smiles Golf Tournament will have the chance to participate in hole contests, like closest to the pin and longest putt, as well as an on-site auction. One hole contest allows players to compete for a $30,000 car. The auction, meanwhile, will include the following items:
Autographed Taylor Swift CD
Framed, autographed Travis Kelce jersey
Full-size helmet autographed by Andy Reid
Inscribed and autographed Bobby Whitt Jr. bat
Autographed Pete Rose jersey
Full-size K-State helmet autographed by Bill Snyder
“We’re proud to bring people together for two days full of fun and philanthropy,” said Jimmy Brough, president of the Sole Reason Board of Directors. “It’s a powerful reminder that a simple act—like sponsoring a hole, joining a team, or bidding at the auction—can have a powerful ripple effect in a child’s life. We wouldn’t be able to fulfill our mission without the community’s support.”
Play on Friday tees off at 2 p.m., while Saturday’s scramble starts at 8 a.m. Teams and sponsors may register for one day or both. Registration is open now at SoleReasonFRIDAY.golfgenius.com and SoleReasonSATURDAY.golfgenius.com. Businesses interested in tournament sponsorship should contact Hudgins directly at Sole_Reason@yahoo.com.
