The late Lucretia "Teedie" Tuttle of Laurinburg was considered an “unsung force” behind many community organizations that included the Scotch Gardener’s Garden Club, the Humane Society, and the Oban student exchange. As an elementary school teacher at Central School, her Heritage Day event for gifted students evolved into the famous John Blue Cotton Festival, held every October and considered Scotland County’s largest annual attraction. Teedle was also active as a volunteer in the Scotland County Chapter of the American Red Cross, and in her memory the inaugural American Red Cross Memorial Golf Tournament has been named.

"Teedie was involved in what is now known as the Ebbie Lassiter-Jim Ollis Golf Tournament, sponsored by the Southeastern Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, from which the Red Cross received part of the proceeds," Scotland County Chapter Executive Director Carol Ann Lentz said. "We thought it would be a fitting tribute to Teedie to hold the first of what we plan to be an annual tournament in her honor."

The tournament will be held May 5 at Scotch Meadows Country Club in Laurinburg. Registration will be held from 10 until 11:15 a.m. with a shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. Prices are $55 each or $220 per foursome, captain's choice. The entry fee includes a round of golf, a cart, a "goodie bag", door prize tickets, lunch by Dominos Pizza and a barbeque dinner featuring a hog donated by Murphy Brown. Beverages and snacks will be available throughout the day.

"Teedie considered herself a 'right brained' person, being such an artistic, imaginative, and creative lady," Lentz said, "so we have designed a truly 'right brained' tournament with her in mind. This tournament is unique, as was Teedie."

Lentz described several of the "right brained" activities associated with the tournament.

"One is our putting contest, in which the golfer purchases a chance to participate in a challenge that, if you get three holes in one, you can begin the tournament at three under. If you sink two, you start at two under, and so forth."

Another is the "Teedie Toss".

"Golfers purchase a 'Teedie Toss' for $5 prior to the tournament,” Lentz said. “If your ball lands in the bunker, for example, you play your card to literally toss the ball toward the green."

Lentz said there are chances to win a prize at every hole.

"Golfers have the opportunity throughout the tournament to build a poker hand, and the person with the best hand wins a three day weekend at a house in the North Carolina mountains," Lentz said. "There will also be a chance to win one week in Gatlinburg, Tenn. at a remote chalet."

The three day cabin is donated by Wilson and Carol McCall and Fred and Sherry Fox; the home in Gatlinburg is owned by Ed Williams.

Red Cross Volunteer Louise Bingham believes it is "fitting" to name the tournament in Teedle's honor.

"I knew Teedie through a variety of Red Cross activities, including blood drives, the celebrity dinners, the annual Red Cross meeting, and many other community events," Bingham said. "I think it is a wonderful thing to name this tournament after her for her many years of volunteer work."

Lentz agreed, sharing her memories of Teedie as well.

"Teedie was always there and ready to help in any way she could," Lentz said. "Her infectious laugh and sweet smile will be missed by all the many lives she touched."

Event Chairman Eric Byrd invites everyone to take part in what promises to be a fun event.

“It's been a tough year for the Scotland County Red Cross chapter,” Byrd said, “with disasters happening every day in this area. We would like to invite everyone to come enjoy what promises to be a fun, unique tournament, and to give your support to the local Red Cross chapter as well.”

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the tournament. For more information contact Byrd at 318-7999, Scotch Meadows Golf Pro Chip Wells at 276-0169, or Lentz at 318-6208.