This 2022 contribution follows $1.45million last year, $1.3million the year before and more than $10,000,000 since 2013. Joe Sanderson Farms CEO, and board chairman, made it clear that Sanderson Farms’ stewardship over the tournament isn’t about golf. It’s all about this. Sanderson stated that it’s all about today. It’s about the babies and the moms and dads who walk through these doors filled with anxiety, fear and don’t know what. They only need a doctor, nurses, and staff. Many of them leave with a smile and hope for the future. “That’s why our board and our company took on this tournament.” Sanderson contributed in the new Sanderson Tower, which opened in November 2020. It has more than doubled the hospital’s space for pediatric care at UMMC. More than 200,000 children receive care at UMMC each year. The future of Sanderson Farms Championship is still unknown. Sanderson Farms and PGA Tour are both contracted through 2026. However, the pending sale to two out-of state corporations of Sanderson Farms, the third-largest poultry producer in the country, could potentially change that. Although the sale of $4.5 billion to New York-based Continental Grain or Minnesota-based Cargill was due to close in 2021, or early this year it has been delayed by a U.S. Department of Justice investigation that could continue well into the spring or summer. Sanderson stated in the past that the future of the tournament will depend on the new owners, if approved. Sanderson stated Tuesday that “what we know now is we’re certain going to have a tourney this year.” “And it’s exciting about it and what that will mean for the hospital,” Sanderson said Tuesday. The tournament that Sam Burns won last year, a former LSU golfer, was probably the most successful in its 55-year history. It featured sunny skies, large galleries, and the best ever field of professional golfers. Sanderson answered a question about the future of the tournament shortly after Burns’ win. He said that although there are no guarantees, he was optimistic. Both buyers are community-minded businesses. They should continue to do so, I believe. This tournament has been a blessing to Jackson, Mississippi, and for Mississippi children.” This much is certain: Sanderson, a 75-year-old former Laurel Tornado player, would not have the same vested interest as Sanderson. Sanderson has transformed his company from a community feed shop to a poultry conglomerate that generates sales of $3.5 billion annually. Sanderson has invested a lot of his own money in Children’s of Mississippi. Joe and Kathy Sanderson launched a $100million fund-raising campaign in 2016 for the hospital with a $10,000,000 personal gift. The campaign has raised approximately 94% of its goal of $100 million. Tuesday’s discussion was led by Dr. Lou Ann Woodward (UMMC vice-chancellor for health affairs, and dean of School of Medicine), about the impact Sanderson and his tournament had on UMMC. Woodward stated that the building already has touched thousands of people’s lives. “Children were born here and spent the first half of their lives here. Because they require the same care here, children have been brought here from other hospitals. We’re only just beginning.