Nucor Children's Charity Classic

Since the start of this tournament in 2007, we have added new items each year to the tournament. In 2008, we added Simon the Loving Lion as a part of our tournament. It started as an event that was held only at the dinner the night before the golf outing in 2008. Since this proved to be such a big hit as a team in 2009, we were trying to find something that even our employees that do not play golf could contribute too, as well as something that no Nucor division could say no too… a challenge!! As the need to help and support children’s hospital hits home to so many Nucor employees and their families, the Simon the Lion Challenge was created. In 2009, a very tough economic year, Nucor Alabama’s employees helped to bring in 935 lions to go to the pastoral care group at Children’s. The 935 lions was a combination of Nucor employees, customers, and vendors. Nucor Tuscaloosa took the plaque the first year for bringing in the highest % of employees to purchase a lion for Children’s. This year’s goal is 1,000 lions!!!

So, Who is Simon?? Simon to a lot of us is an old friend, but to those who might be new to the Nucor Children’s Charity Classic, he is a vital part of the Pastoral Care group at children’s as well as at times the best friend of a child that is scared. Because Children’s Hospital provides the finest pediatric medical care in the state – regardless of a family’s ability to pay, they see the most acute cases. The emotional and spiritual stress on families and patients can be profound, and at times, heartbreaking. The role played as chaplains is to meet them in their pain and attempt to meet their spiritual needs.

The Pastoral Care team’s goal is to provide a lion and a storybook to every child admitted to Children’s Hospital. Simon was designed with children in mind to provide them with a concrete symbol of God’s love and care, even in times of difficulty. Simon also provides an opportunity for the community to be a part of what the Pastoral Care does for the patient and patient’s family. This ministry is only possible with the financial support of individuals and religious, civic, and business organizations.