Batavia, N.Y. (WBEN) - Whenever mid-August comes around in Western New York, it usually signifies the return of the annual Jim Kelly Celebrity Golf Classic that takes place at Terry Hills Golf Course in Batavia.
The 2023 Celebrity Classic marks the 36th annual event, with a number of former teammates and former athletes returning to the region to support Jim Kelly for his annual charity event. Even Kelly, himself can't believe this event has already hit the 36-year mark.
"It's awesome. Each and every year I come out here, of course, I thank God that I'm allowed to come out here to help make a difference for kids out there. I see how many kids suffer around this area and throughout the country, and I want to be able to be one that helps out, as you all well know. It's just not me. Yeah, my name is behind it, but it's the people out there that bid on items," said Kelly just as the first golfers teed off from Terry Hills on Monday. "Last night, when we get people bidding $20,000, $30,000 to go on hunting trips with me and just different things, it's like, 'Wow,' but they understand it. They get why we do it, and that's to be able to make a difference for a lot of these smaller foundations right here in Western New York that don't get the big money, or don't get any money at all. So it's fun, I enjoy it."
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Not only is the annual Celebrity Golf Classic a reunion every single year the event takes place, but it's a chance to reconnect and celebrate the good times with some of Kelly's more prominent teammates. Among the notable former teammates in attendance on Monday included Bruce Smith, Thurman Thomas, Darryl Talley, Steve Tasker, Jimmy Ritcher, Fred Smerlas and others.
"Just seeing the guys come in, and the people that I've gotten to know over the years that I knew them, I didn't know them well until they've been coming to my golf tournament. Now they come every single year, and they enjoy it," Kelly said. "And I think the people, like today for a good example, are coming because it's 75 degrees, sunny and a beautiful day. And it's 95 and 100 degrees where they're at. It's like a vacation for them. But they also understand what it's all about, so we have fun."
For former Bills Legends like Talley, the Jim Kelly Celebrity Classic is a great chance to not only reconnect with some former teammates and other former opponents, it's the chance to support Kelly and his cause to help serve disadvantaged and disabled youth in Western New York.
"It's unbelievable. You've got to think this is 36 years running strong, so they've done a fabulous job, as far as keeping it alive and keeping it moving forward. They're getting a chance to help some good kids, too," said Talley just before he teed off on Monday.
"I live in Buffalo, I'm going to be in Buffalo, I'm gonna be here," added Thomas just before the Bills Hall of Fame running back teed off on Monday. "I enjoy seeing all the former players come back. That's pretty much what it's all about. Obviously he's been doing it for 36 years, he knows how to do it. Most importantly, the players who have been coming back here for a number of years come back here, play in the golf tournament, and have a great time."
For Thomas, this year's event is, at least, his 30th Celebrity Classic he's taken part in to help support his former teammate's cause. He understands the level of comradery that still exists between himself and his former teammates to always stick together and support one another in Western New York.
Also taking in part of the fun this year are other former Bills players, as well as other players who have come to know Kelly from either their playing days or away from the football field. This includes the likes of Eric Wood, Dan Marino, Chris Berman, Danny Gare, Martin Biron and even former MLB player Johnny Damon, who got to know Kelly and other Bills players while living in Orlando, Florida.
"Coming out and catching up with a bunch of my friends. Jim Kelly and I have known each other for a long time, and a lot of the Bills players actually lived in Orlando, Florida at some point. I got to know Thurman Thomas, Darryl Talley, Andre Reed. So it's great to get back up to Buffalo, and I'm enjoying this weather as well," said Damon before his tee time on Monday.
This year is Damon's second year back in Western New York to take part in the Celebrity Classic, and support Kelly with his local cause. Despite growing up being a Dallas Cowboys fan, he was happy to be in town once again to support the Hall of Fame quarterback while donning a colorful Bills polo.
"I really did not think that would ever happen," he joked. "Wearing a Bills polo is a tough thing as well, but I'm here to support. I do like the Bills, I do hope they win a championship someday soon."
While Kelly will admit the toughest aspect of his tournament for him it to ask for anything with these celebrities, he continues to be grateful for his teammates and others showing their support.
"Sometimes it's hard for me, because I know they have their own schedule," Kelly said. "A good example, Dan Marino: He's been here probably 25 out of 36 years, and I hate to ask him because they have families, they have kids, they have grandkids. It's hard sometimes. Ben Roethlisberger, he couldn't make it because of his kids playing. But he also let me auction off a skeet shoot at my lodge, a nice dinner, and a little meet and greet with a few people. So some people do that. Josh Allen, the other night, came over to my house and signed a bunch of items for me so I can auction some stuff off to be able to make money. Tom Brady, a good example also. But I'm the last person who wants to go ask. I hate asking, but you've got to ask if it's for my son, it's for the kids, I'll do it."
The event has raised more than $7 million over the last several years between the tournament and the gala event the evening before.
More from Kelly during his Celebrity Golf Classic on Monday is available in the player below: