Mad Anthonys has named Indiana Gov. Mike Pence and Tom Kelley, president of Kelley Automotive Group and one of Fort Wayne’s most accomplished amateur golfers, its 2014 Red Coat recipients.
Pence was elected Indiana’s 50th governor in November 2012. Prior to that, he represented the state’s sixth congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives for 12 years. A native of Columbus, Ind., Pence graduated from Hanover College and earned his law degree from Indiana University.
“As a lifelong Hoosier, the Mad Anthonys is an organization I know well and admire, so it is a great honor to be named recipient of the Red Coat,” Pence said.
Kelley leads one of the largest and most recognized automotive groups in the state, incorporating six dealerships in Fort Wayne and Decatur. He also founded and ran an IndyCar racing team for several years in the 2000s. Outside of the dealerships that bear his family name, Kelley is perhaps best known for his successes as an amateur golfer; he is a nine-time winner of the Fort Wayne Golf Association’s men’s city tournament.
Kelley’s father, Jim, was named a Red Coat recipient in 1998.
“Being born and raised in Fort Wayne and an avid golfer, there are few things more momentous I can think of then the Mad Anthonys and the Red Coat,” Kelley said. “In addition, being able to join my father in the ranks of Red Coat recipients is an incredible opportunity and honor.”
Pence and Kelley will receive the Red Jacket at this year’s recognition dinner on Tuesday, August 26. This year’s Mad Anthonys Pro-Am will take place during the Hotel Fitness Championship August 25 and 27 at Fort Wayne’s Sycamore Hills Golf Club. Amateur players will team up with professional golfers from the Web.com Tour Finals to benefit Mad Anthonys Children’s Hope House and the Evans Scholars Foundation. Those interested in participating or volunteering with the Red Coat Dinner and Mad Anthonys Pro-Am at the Hotel Fitness Championship are encouraged to visit HotelFitnessChampionship.com for more information.
“Both Gov. Pence and Tom Kelley fully embrace and embody what it means to be a Hoosier and recipient of the Mad Anthonys Red Coat,” said Don Banowetz, board president of the Mad Anthonys Foundation. “Being a part of the Hotel Fitness Championship once again is a continuation of our long-standing tradition of providing Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana a premier Pro-Am charity golf event, while increasing support of the Mad Anthonys Children’s Hope House and other important causes for children in our region.”
Source: The Mad Anthonys Foundation, Inside INdiana Business