Thursday night’s roast of coaching legend Willis Wright is more than just a high priced dinner with a winning football coach—it’s about supporting local worthy causes and honoring a man who has positively shaped young men for decades.

A few years back, a handful of individuals and businesses put their name on a bank note that paid for an artificial surface on Tiger field and upgraded facilities to that of other 5 and 6A schools across the state and region. That group formed the nucleus of the South Panola Athletic Foundation. Those sponsors’ names are listed on field’s surface.  

While not everyone can (or is expected to) pay the big dollars to be a sponsor, individuals and other potential donors have the opportunity now by buying tickets for Thursday night to step forward and help the Foundation that supports the Tigers and is paying the note.

On the other hand, the Panola County Community Foundation is a group that raises money to help local charitable organizations within the county. The club has assisted Boys and Girls Clubs, Panola County Food Bank, other after school programs and causes throughout the county. Money raised for their endowed fund is matched 25 percent with a percentage being paid to local charities each year, while current giving funds are distributed entirely to local charities.

Both organizations are about service to community. Both need your assistance.

South Panola Coach Lance Pogue recently said of Willis Wright, “If they make a better guy, someone’s hiding him in the closet.”  

And while Wright may be known for his ability to coach winning football teams, those who have worked with him know of his uncanny ability to get more out of kids (his players) than anybody. Therein may lie his magic formula for winning football games.

Anybody who has ever raised a teenager should appreciate that. And anybody who enjoys Tiger football or wants to help the Community Foundation can keep the tradition alive  and help the community by purchasing a ticket for Thursday night’s affair by calling Amy at 563-5464.