TURNING LOSS INTO SOMETHING THAT HELPS OTHERS
OUR MISSION
The Kenny Classic was created to honor the life and legacy of Ken Assad, a husband, father, brother, uncle, coach, teammate and friend who believed the best parts of life were often the simplest ones. A cold beer. A great parking spot. The perfect spot on the beach. A round of golf. Time spent with family and friends.
Kenny coined those "little" moments with #HTL— Hit the Lottery. Our mission is to carry that spirit forward by bringing people together, appreciating how lucky we are to have one another and showing up for everyday people when life changes without warning.
THIS YEAR, WE’RE PLAYING FOR MARY
The First Annual Kenny Classic is dedicated to the person Kenny loved most: his wife, Mary.
Mary is a three-time cancer survivor who has already been asked to start over more times than anyone should. After years of fighting, rebuilding and putting everyone else first, she and Kenny had finally moved into the home where they planned to enjoy the life they worked so hard to build together.
This was supposed to be the happiest chapter of their lives. Instead, Kenny passed away unexpectedly, and the future they had imagined was taken from them far too soon. Mary was left not only grieving her husband and best friend, but facing the emotional and financial reality of beginning again without him.
Mary has never been someone who asks for help. She is usually the person giving it. This year, it is our turn to show up for her. Net proceeds from the 2026 Kenny Classic will support Mary as she navigates this unexpected chapter, helping provide the comfort, security and peace of mind she deserves.
THE FUTURE OF THE #HTL FOUNDATION
The Kenny Classic is more than one tournament, and our mission extends beyond one year.
Our long-term goal is to build the HTL Foundation into a lasting source of support for everyday people facing life’s hardest moments, the people who may not have a large organization, public platform or safety net behind them.
A person undergoing cancer treatment.
A widow learning to rebuild.
A family struggling with a mortgage payment.
A student in need of an opportunity.
A neighbor facing an unexpected hardship.
Sometimes changing someone’s life does not require changing the entire world. Sometimes it means helping with one bill, easing one burden or reminding someone that they do not have to face the hardest chapter of their life alone.
That is the legacy we hope to create in Kenny’s name.
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE #ALLIN
Kenny showed up for the people he loved. The Kenny Classic asks all of us to do the same.
Whether you play, sponsor, contribute, volunteer or simply help spread the word, you are helping turn an unimaginable loss into something meaningful. You are helping us celebrate Kenny’s life the way he lived it: surrounded by family and friends, finding joy in the little things and always remembering just how lucky we are to be together.
KENNY'S DICTIONARY
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