The first-ever Lomas Brown Jr. Golf Classic brought together NFL legends, local supporters, and generous sponsors for a cause much greater than a day on the green—raising critical funds for children’s charities across Southeast Michigan. The sold-out event, held at the Country Club of Detroit, raised $268,700 for The Children’s Foundation and the Lomas Brown Jr. Foundation.
Organizers say the success of the event signals not just strong community engagement, but a deep, ongoing commitment to supporting the region’s youth through education, health initiatives, and enrichment programs.
“It was wonderful to have my teammates join me and our community supporters, but the real winners are the young people our two foundations serve,” said Lomas Brown Jr., the former Detroit Lions great and namesake of the new tournament. “These funds will help provide programs that impact countless children and families in southeast Michigan.”
The tournament was presented by Cumulus Media’s WJR AM 760 and sponsored by Ford Motor Company. In many ways, the Lomas Brown Jr. Golf Classic picks up where the Paul W. Smith Golf Classic left off. For over two decades, that event served as a major fundraiser for Detroit-area youth programs. In a nod to that legacy, Brown presented a Legacy Award to Paul W. Smith during WJR’s live broadcast from the club.
NFL Hall of Famers Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson were among the big names in attendance, joined by a host of Detroit Lions alumni including Herman Moore, Jason Hanson, Stan Edwards, Braylon Edwards, Eddie Murray, Tim Walton, TJ Lang, Larry Lee and Pepper Johnson. The emcee for the evening was Fox2’s Dan Miller, who kept the mood lively and celebratory.
The day included 18 holes of golf at the historic Country Club of Detroit, a cocktail reception, and a fundraising auction. Among the auction’s standout items were three custom golf carts. Two were autographed and branded by Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson, while the third featured “Sonic & Knuckles”—the nickname for current Lions running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
Proceeds from the event are set to benefit programs at both nonprofit organizations. The Lomas Brown Jr. Foundation, founded in 1991, focuses on providing post-secondary scholarships and hosting camps that enhance educational, physical, and life skills for young people. The Children’s Foundation will use the funds to support health and wellness initiatives for kids across the region.
At The Children’s Foundation, funds will go toward enabling better treatment, improving health outcomes, and creating more equitable opportunities for Michigan’s youth. “These programs matter now more than ever,” said Andrew Stein, President and CEO of the Foundation. “With the support of events like this one, we can continue to make a long-term impact.”
Additional sponsors supporting the tournament included Gold Sponsor Meijer, Silver Sponsor AISIN World Corp of America, and Bronze Sponsors Delta Airlines, Dow Chemical U.S.A., and Others First.
The second annual Lomas Brown Jr. Golf Classic has already been scheduled for July 13, 2026, and organizers expect it to grow in both participation and impact. Those interested in learning more about the event or the participating foundations can visit www.lomasbrownjrgolf.com.
Through a shared mission of equity, access, and opportunity, both The Children’s Foundation and the Lomas Brown Jr. Foundation are working to create lasting change. And thanks to the success of this inaugural event, thousands more children in Michigan will have the resources they need to thrive.
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