Rainey continues tradition of winning VGCC golf tournaments
When Vance-Granville Community College celebrated its 25th annual Endowment Fund Golf Tournament on May 12, Henderson businessman Michael Rainey once again participated as a golfer. He had a unique reason to celebrate the milestone for the fundraiser, because he was on the winning team at the very first VGCC golf tournament. He was also on a winning team in 1998. Much to his delight, Rainey re-enacted his previous victories by coming in first in the afternoon round of the 25th annual tournament . This time, his teammates were Bob Hubbard, Sr. and Bill Barnette.
The first VGCC tournament was held in September 1985 at Kerr Lake Country Club and was conceived as an “industry appreciation” tournament/cook-out to thank businesses who were supportive of the college. At the time, Rainey was taking courses at VGCC and he personally knew Dr. Ben Currin, then the college president. Rainey’s business, City Tire, Inc. of Henderson, also had a relationship with the college and would later participate in the first of many business Expos. Rainey’s team, which also included Finley Green, Mike Malone and future VGCC president Robert Miller, came in first at the 1985 tournament, and Rainey has since played in a total of 15-20 of VGCC’s tournaments. “I continue to play in the tournament because of the fellowship,” Rainey said. “You see old friends you haven’t seen in a while. But I also come back because it’s important to raise money for the college. Vance-Granville is one of the best community colleges on the east coast. It’s a huge asset to the town and Vance County, particularly in economic development.”
Rainey recalled that the tournaments give him “an opportunity to meet people I ordinarily wouldn’t have played golf with.” He has met sports celebrities and political leaders, such as former state legislator Stan Fox of Oxford.
Rainey, who is also a Henderson city councilman and president of the local United Way, has continued to be involved with VGCC, including taking seminars. He not only played in this year’s golf tournament, but City Tire also sponsored a hole on the course.
Above: Michael Rainey, president/general manager and owner of City Tire, Inc. of Henderson, proudly holds his first-place trophies from the first VGCC golf tournament, held in 1985, and in his left hand, from the 1998 tournament. His team also won the afternoon round of the 25th annual tournament on May 12, 2009. (VGCC photo)
