The Story of the Frank B Staton and KPC, Council 89 Golf Classic
FRANK B. as in “BERTRAND” STATON: Memorial Obituary: cited Legacy.com
MISSION OF THE ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC: The mission of the Frank B. Station Annual Golf Classic is to raise funds to benefit the Frank B. Staton Scholarship Fund. The scholarship fund fulfills the philanthropic mission of the Knights of Peter Claver, Council 89 of Fort Worth, Texas to assist and award tuition assistance to several area schools, especially those in and near the 76104 zipcode and students connected to this geographic area near south-side neighborhood.
The scholarship fund is managed by the Knights of Peter Claver Cn 89 located at Our Mother of Mercy Parish in Fort Worth Texas. This is part of the organizational mission and desire of its members to support the educational needs of youth through scholarships, and by providing support through community service. The golf event was named after its member, Mr Frank B Staton who sponsored the initial event and was a life long educator, counselor, and mentor to so many in the Fort Worth Independent School District in academics and sports. As a former athlete with a commanding 6ft 7 inches frame, with a booming voice he encouraged so many youth to peruse their dreams.
Frank B Staton was a founding member of the Knights of Peter Claver – Council 89 in Fort Worth Texas at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church, an alum of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic School, a retired educator in the Fort Worth Independent School District, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., an advisor to the Fort Worth Transit Authority and founding board member, and countless other community and civic organizations and their fundraising activities. He and his wife Johnny Staton served as pillars of the community. Frank passed away on January 27, 2015 but his works still live on through this golf event which was renamed by the Knights of Peter Claver Cn89 from the Annual Our Mother of Mercy School Golf Event sponsored by the Knights of Peter Claver Cn 89 to the presently named event – The Frank B Staton Classic following Frank’s passing in 2015.
EVENT HISTORY:
The 1st tournament originally named the Annual Our Mother of Mercy School Golf Event began in May 2006 with approximately 40 golfers. The inaugural event was hosted at the historic Glen Garden Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas under the membership sponsor of Howard Rattliff Jr. The inaugural golf committee members of Howard Rattliff Jr- chair person, Michael Barks , associate chair, Mr Leonard Smith, and Mr Michael McDaniels organized the initial event.
The Our Mother of Mercy school wanted a way promote, recognize, and encourage exceptional students. The school had a reputation of producing community leaders in the community. The new award would honor past leaders as well as present new emerging leaders upon presentation of the awarded scholarship for tuition assistance. The basis of the scholarship award components were suggested by Frank B Staton and ultimately based upon 1. academic, 2. leadership, and 3. community service. Upon the constant encouragement of Frank B Staton , Mae Smith and Jennifer Rattliff, a committee was formed led by Mr Leonard Smith and Mr Howard Rattliff to help plan and bring about this golf event. The original concept was to start with Our Mother of Mercy School and then to expand to the inner city Catholic schools, and others, etc.
Inaugural major sponsors included a Hole in One Car Sponsored by Jerrys (Jerry Durant) GMC of Weatherford, Texas, Dicks Sporting Goods, Charles Schwab, Inc, Our Mother of Mercy Church, TCU and TCU Athletics Dept, SAMS Wholesale (Walmart Stores), and many hole sponsors and supporters and volunteers. The event has become an annual community event that attracts golfers and donors across the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. Thru the years since that auspicious beginning in 2006, the committees have changed, the players and sponsors have changed but the community spirit and the cause have remained. Frank B Staton said “His first love was the children of this community, and giving his all to ensure they had the education and opportunities necessary for success in life.”
The Knights of Peter Claver, Council 89 located in Fort Worth Texas, is a subordinate unit of the Knights of Peter Claver, Inc, which is an international Catholic Fraternal organization founded November 07,1909 , and headquartered in New Orleans, LA. The Knights of Peter Claver is nationally recognized non profit organization. https://www.kofpc.org/112_years_of_claverism.php
