Established 2000

In November of 1999, Sam Bossong was killed in a 4-wheeler accident. He was the son of Charlie Bossong and the late Susan Bossong; brother to Beth Bossong Russell; cousin to Huntley & Lilly Bossong; and grand-son to the founder of Bossong Hosiery. Sam was a huge supporter of our Randolph-Asheboro YMCA and volunteered his help through coaching and monetary donations. Traditionally the Bossong family has been a huge supporter of our Randolph-Asheboro YMCA as the lobby was dedicated in Memory to Charlie & Susan’s other son George soon after the YMCA was constructed in 1976.

The tournament originally began as an idea from his friends who wanted to do something to allow Sam’s memory to live on. A close friend of Sam’s and the Director of the YMCA, Patrick O’Hara, took the initiative to host the first one in the fall of the following year (2000). The guests attending were mostly close friends and family and the night game raised close to $7,000. The board with the Y-Give Committee designated the proceeds towards building a playground and helping to provide YMCA scholarships for those in financial need.

There were several members of the Asheboro Jr Women’s Club who had been directly affected by Sam’s death. One of these members was Christie Luckenbach whose husband was one of the friends riding with Sam that night. In 2001, while Christie was President of AJWC, the idea was presented that this tournament might make an awesome service project for the club. The idea was tabled during a fall meeting and passed unanimously among the members. With AJWC handling all aspects of putting on the tournament we were able to raise over $12,000. It was a hit – everyone benefited! The YMCA board was so impressed with the results that they voted to pay the club a management fee of 10% of gross profits each year the tournament was hosted by the club.

Due to Sam’s mother, Mrs. Susan Bossong, falling ill in 2002, there wasn’t a tournament, but in 2003, the club picked up where they left off and raised $13,000. It was a small increase, but we had a new list of guests that really enjoyed themselves and promised to make it a tournament they played every year.

In the fall of 2003, people from all over the community came to witness the playground being dedicated in Sam’s memory and thus begun the quest to have the largest YMCA playground in the state! The word is that we currently have the largest YMCA playground and there are plans in action now to add more. Equipment that is more suited for smaller children and a vision to add pieces for handicapped children as well. One day this playground will truly be a playground for ALL children! In addition, a recent joint effort between Trees Asheboro (http://www.treesnc.org) and the Jr Women's Club, trees will be planted to provide much needed shade to this area as well!

That same year (2003) the mission statement for the Asheboro Junior Women’s Club was established and it reads: "The Asheboro Junior Women's Club is an organization that is committed to improving the lives of women and children through community activism and volunteerism. We strive to be present in the lives of the women and children in Randolph County -- serving as a resource to effect positive change, seek common ground and inspire hope." The catch phrase for the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA is “We build strong children, strong families, and a strong community.” So as you can see it has been the perfect collaboration between these two non-profits to strive to help the children of our community!

As the official host of the tournament the responsibilities of the Asheboro Junior Women’s Club have become: to handle the invitations, sponsorships, registration, auction items, gift bags, tournament contests, food, beer, snacks, set up and more. Each year the money we receive as our management fee, goes back into the community to those in need. We use this money throughout the year by supporting these other non-profit organizations that fit our mission statement.

Sam left behind 3 daughters, Emma, Rachel, and Kate who have now moved away from Asheboro as their mother has re-married. One day they may return and possibly become Jr. Women themselves. As the Asheboro Junior Women continue to host the tournament it becomes more of the legacy it was intended to be for a man who impacted so many in this community. One day these girls might be volunteering to work for the first time at the tournament dedicated to their father. They will witness first hand the love and memories our community holds for him. There is proof that this tournament has become a true tribute to Sam by the turn out of friends and family as well as the fun that goes on all day long!

The tournament is typically held on the second Friday in May with all proceeds going to the Randolph–Asheboro YMCA. This year (2010) is an exception the date is set for Friday, May 21 2010.

Stats: 2000 net $7,000; 2001 net $12,000; 2002/skipped; 2003 net $13,000; 2004 net $15,000; 2005 net $17,000; 2006 net $23,629; 2007 net $22,397; 2008 net $21,494; 2009 net $21,500