NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (WKYT) – A central Kentucky organization is using golf to raise money for women, children and families across the Bluegrass.
Caddie 127 was first established as a fundraising arm for the Barbasol Championship, the PGA Tour’s former stop in central Kentucky. After the tournament left the area, the organization continued its mission independently.
More than a million dollars raised
“We’ve been going strong for about 6-7 years now and we’ve raised over a million dollars and this local tournament that we started in 2025 kind of gave us a whole new motivation,” said Lauren Vernon.
Inspired by the scripture James 1:27, Caddie 127 aims to support women, children and families in the region. The 2026 Caddie 127 Charity Classic, held at Keene Trace Golf Club in Nicholasville, will benefit six organizations.
They include:
All God’s Children
Golisano Children’s at UK
Boone Brothers
Sayre Christian Village
Sunrise Children’s Services
Woodhill Community Center
“At Keene Trace, we want it to be a mission field and we want it to impact lives,” Vernon said.
Sayre Christian Village among beneficiaries
One of the six organizations receiving support is Sayre Christian Village in Lexington, which provides housing, healthcare and other services to older adults.
“We provide hope, housing and healthcare to older adults and the support that we get from Caddie 127 allows us to do that,” said Karen Venis, of Chief Executive Officer of Sayre Christian Village.
Venis said the organization received approximately $20,000 from last year’s event. This year, Sayre Christian Village is looking to use funds toward a renovation project that would improve housing for 98 low-income seniors on its campus.
“To be able to walk alongside with Caddie 127 with what their mission represents and what ours is just so impactful and very very special,” Venis said.
Celebrity lineup set for three-day event
The three-day event includes a women’s luncheon, golf and a celebrity party. Board member and former major league baseball player Doug Flynn said he called on his network to assemble this year’s lineup.
Thursday August 20-Gather to Glorify Luncheon
Friday August 21-Grand Pairings Party Celebration
Saturday August 22-Caddie 127 Charity Classic
“People like D. Vincent Williams who wrote ‘I’m Moving On’ by Rascal Flatts, Lee Thomas Miller who had ‘In Color’ who is from Nicholasville is coming in. Dillon Dixon who had a number one song and then you add Rudy and Steve Gatlin from the Gatlin Brothers,” Flynn said.
Its a good time, for a great cause and golf just happens to be driving force behind Caddie 127 to make it all happen.
“To be able to do something so fun and be outside in creation and just use it as a means to do kingdom work is really special,” said Vernon.
Copyright 2026 WKYT. All rights reserved.