The Alabama Grocers Education Foundation (AGEF) hosted its annual Clay Shoot Tournament on Oct. 9 at Selwood Farm in Alpine, Alabama.
The event united retailers, wholesalers, vendors and community partners from across Alabama for a day of camaraderie and competition, raising more than $48,000 to support the scholarships program.
This year, AGEF awarded 57 scholarships valued at more than $56,500. Since its founding in 1992, the foundation has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships to employees and children of employees of Alabama Grocers Association member companies – an achievement made possible through industry partners and event sponsors.
The day’s program included breakfast, morning flights, the popular Cotton Drop Game, a reception and an awards luncheon with raffle drawings. Lunch was prepared by Immediate Past Chairman Bob Crawford and his team from United Distributors of Alabama, adding to the fellowship and community spirit that define this event.
“Supporting students is at the heart of what we do,” said Ellie Taylor, president and CEO of the Alabama Grocers Association. “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 Company 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 will take place 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, AGEF has awarded more than $1.5 million to employees of Alabama Grocers Association member companies and their families, helping prepare the next generation of leaders in Alabama’s food industry.