Since its start in 1993, the Four Oaks Golf Classic has become one of the most respected and time-honored tournaments in Iowa. Held annually at the Cedar Rapids Country Club, the tournament hosts more than 200 golfers every summer. In its 29-year history, the event has raised more than $4.1 million to support children and families across the state.

The tournament began in 1993 as the Wendy’s Oak Leaf Golf Classic. At the time, Tom Barbee, who owned Wendy’s franchises in Cedar Rapids, served as the Tournament Sponsor. Dave Thomas, Wendy’s founder, was the Honorary Chairman of the Wendy’s Oak Leaf Golf Classic and participated in the event several years. He met one-on-one with kids in Four Oaks programs while visiting Cedar Rapids, and his work as a national adoption advocate kept the issues of child welfare and the importance of healthy families at the forefront. Tom Barbee continues to be involved in today’s Four Oaks Golf Classic as the luncheon sponsor.

Lil’ Drug Stores, with owners Chris and Suzy DeWolf, joined the tournament as Title Sponsors in 2010 and served as long-standing supporters of Four Oaks’ youth and family programming. Lil’ Drug Stores remained Title Sponsor for 10 years. They were champions of TotalChild®, a long-term holistic program that coordinates different Four Oaks services to help youth and their families, from its inception, and continue to support Four Oaks’ mission today.

TrueNorth Companies, a supporter of the Four Oaks Golf Classic since 1995, became Title Sponsor in 2020. At the time, Duane Smith, Executive Chairman of TrueNorth, said, “Our company has deep ties to the community and we are dedicated to helping children and families in need.” They will continue as the Title Sponsor at the 30^th Annual Four Oaks Golf Classic in 2023.

Throughout the years, local businesses have sponsored events within the Four Oaks Golf Classic, like TrueNorth’s Kids’ Clinic and Hall of Thanks. In 2022, United Fire Group (UFG) Insurance sponsored a “Sink the putt” game on the 18^th hole and donated $100 for every putt made. Golfers also had a chance to “beat the Pro” for a chance to win a year’s unlimited supply of golf balls.

Over these past 29 years, our community partners have made a difference to the children and families we serve. All proceeds from the Golf Classic have been used to support Four Oaks programs across the state of Iowa that address challenges including mental and behavioral health, education, and housing for underserved children.

Return to the Four Oaks Enterprise 2022 Annual Report