The Alabama Grocers Education Foundation (AGEF) held its annual Clay Shoot Tournament on Oct. 9, bringing together retailers, wholesalers, vendors and community partners from across the state for a day of camaraderie that raised more than $48,000 for its scholarships program.
This year, AGEF awarded 57 scholarships valued at more than $56,500 to employees of Alabama Grocers Association member companies and their children.
Since its founding in 1992, the foundation has presented more than $1.5 million in scholarships, an achievement made possible through industry partners and event sponsors.
This year’s program at Selwood Farm in Alpine, Alabama, included breakfast, morning flights, a Cotton Drop Game, reception and awards luncheon with raffle drawings.
Lunch was prepared by Immediate Past Chairman Bob Crawford and his team from United Distributors of Alabama.
“Supporting students is at the heart of what we do,” said Ellie Taylor, president and CEO of the AGA. “This event is a powerful example of our industry rallying behind the next generation while living out the foundation’s mission of enriching education and career development in the grocery industry.”
Sponsors and contributors who made this year’s tournament possible are:
- Presenting sponsor – Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United; and
- Supporting sponsors (alphabetical) – A & R Super Markets, AGA Health & Welfare Trust, Alabama Crown, Alabama Power, Associated Grocers of the South, Autry Greer & Son’s, Blue Bell Creameries, Buffalo Rock/Pepsi, Bunzl Distribution, Clark Gas Co., DCR, Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, EDLINCO, Federated Insurance, Higginbotham Insurance, Merrill Lynch, Mitchell Grocery Corporation, Piggly Wiggly Alabama Distributing Co., Publix Super Markets Inc., Red Diamond, Reynolds American, Smithfield Foods, T. Marzetti, Trend Sales, United Distributors of Alabama, UTZ/Golden Flake and Walmart.
The 2026 Clay Shoot Tournament is set for Oct. 8 at Selwood Farm.
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About the Alabama Grocers Education Foundation
Founded in 1992, the Alabama Grocers Education Foundation (AGEF) is a nonprofit dedicated to enriching education and career development in the grocery industry through scholarships, tuition reimbursement and educational programs.