Welcome to the Team
Nucor Corporation Children’s Charity Classic benefiting:
Children’s of Alabama Hospital
Fabricated Steel Frame, Pencil Drawing, & Acrylic Paint
2025
Every year, Nucor Corporation sponsors the Children’s Charity Classic Golf Tournament to benefit Children’s of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham. The event begins with a banquet dinner and auction, featuring donations from local businesses and artists whose work helps raise vital funds for pediatric care. For over a decade, the University of Alabama Foundry team has contributed stunning steel sculptures for the auction, and I’m deeply honored to have been part of this tradition once again.
The 2025 sculpture, Paws of Hope, continues the story that began with Wanda, MD—celebrating the compassion and healing spirit shared by therapy animals, caregivers, and the children they comfort. This year’s piece reflects that same message of connection, teamwork, and love that makes Children’s of Alabama such a special place.
I’m thrilled to share that Paws of Hope raised $35,000 at the auction, and my three accompanying framed drawings brought in an additional $21,500, for a combined total of $56,500. Together, these contributions will help support the hospital’s incredible work and the families they serve.
It’s an honor to play a small part in something so meaningful, and I’m continually inspired by the generosity, creativity, and heart that make this event possible year after year.
Together
Nucor Corporation Children’s Charity Classic benefiting:
Children’s of Alabama Hospital
Fabricated Steel Frame & Pencil Drawing
2024
Every year, Nucor Corporation sponsors a Children’s Charity Classic Golf Tournament to benefit the Children’s of Alabama hospital located in Birmingham, Alabama. The event is kicked off with a banquet dinner where donated items from local businesses are auctioned off to increase fundraising. For the past 11 years, the team at the University of Alabama foundry has created steel sculptures for the auction. I am very honored that 2024 is my second year participating in this wonderful event. The 2023 sculpture, Wanda, MD (Medical Dog), commemorates the arrival of Wanda to Children’s of Alabama. Sponsored by Nucor, Wanda’s impact at the hospital has been immeasurable.
For the 2024 piece, I wanted to capture the special bond that she, and service animals like her, create with the children in their care. This piece is about more than just her; Wanda is a part of a team. Nurses, doctors, health care professionals, parents, and family all doing their part to make a difference each and every day because it really does take a village. This piece symbolizes that together, with a little hope, courage, and kindness, we can all do our parts to make a difference.
This sculpture was auctioned at the event and raised $30,500 for the Children’s of Alabama Hospital.
Wanda, MD (Medical Dog)
Nucor Corporation Children’s Charity Classic benefiting:
Children’s of Alabama Hospital
Cast Steel Sculpture
2023
Every year, Nucor Corporation sponsors a Children’s Charity Classic Golf Tournament to benefit the Children’s of Alabama hospital located in Birmingham, Alabama. The event is kicked off with a banquet dinner where donated items from local businesses are auctioned off to increase fundraising. For the past 10 years, the team at the University of Alabama foundry has created steel sculptures for the auction. In 2023, I was asked to collaborate with the UA team to create a very special sculpture commemorating the addition of Wanda, MD (Medical Dog) to the healthcare team at the Children’s Hospital.
Wanda, MD (Medical Dog) is a 2 year old Golden Retriever that has been training her whole life with Canine Assistants, a nonprofit organization that specializes in training service dogs to provide support in various capacities. Thanks to Nucor, Wanda and her expert handlers help pediatric patients cope, heal, and achieve treatment goals at the hospital.
This sculpture was auctioned at the event and raised $30,000 for the Children’s of Alabama Hospital.