• Sign up and sponsors still available

Andy Johnson was a standout player for the Star Valley Braves and went on to be part of a very successful collegiate career at Carroll College which won three national titles in his time there before returning home. Unfortunately, Andy developed cancer that he battled heroically for several years before passing away in 2017. It was during this battle that the Andy Johnson tournament was started, but it was his wishes that it be used for others shortly thereafter.

“This was set up ten years ago to help my brother out when he was going through his cancer battle,” said Tanner Johnson, Andy’s brother, in an interview with SVI Media. “After the first year he wanted to give that back to the community so we decided to flip the script and do it in his name and memory after he passed.”

The Andy Johnson Memorial Golf Tournament takes place this Saturday, August 3, at Valli-Vu Golf Course in Afton.

“We’ve been able to give out over $38,000 to local families who are going through unexpected crisis in their lives and also set up a scholarship for kids at the high school,” Tanner continued. “So far we’ve given out over 34 scholarships and $20,000 over the years. Those things are our goals along with keeping his memory alive.”

Andy made a deep connection with the Braves as a coach in his final years as he inspired players and others with his dedication to teaching the game to the next generation of football players. Tanner stated that sometimes the foundation operates these days as a general use fund.

RELATED: TANNER JOHNSON TALKS ABOUT THE ANDY JOHNSON MEMORIAL FOUNDATION –

“We don’t know what’s going to happen with families,” he said. “We don’t necessarily have someone in mind but we created the Andy Johnson Memorial Foundation so we have a board and we get together and brainstorm and try to go over recommendations and help where we can.”

There are still team spots open and hole sponsorships for those wishing to get on board with the event.

“We’re still hoping to get five more teams to get signed up before Saturday,” Tanner added. “None of this is possible without the people who fill out those teams and we appreciate them from the bottom of our hearts. [Andy]  was so grateful for all the support that he was given and that’s part of the reason we want to keep this going to give back to our community.”

Those at the tournament often speak of Andy with their own experiences and stories which culminates with a luncheon and a raffle after the round. For those wishing to make a donation to the organization, that is always an option.

“People can find us @ajmfmedia on instagram,” Tanner said. “We’re always looking for donations and sponsors so if that interests anyone we’ll get it out there and we appreciate your support.”