The Third Annual Missouri Vlasic Classic: A Golf Tournament for Justice Reform and Second Chances

This past weekend, the Old Kinderhook Golf Course in Camdenton, Missouri, hosted the Third Annual Missouri Vlasic Classic. This highly anticipated charity event once again united leaders from the cannabis sector for a day filled with friendly competition and community-focused impact. The tournament, held on August 23, aimed to boost efforts towards justice reform and providing second chances to deserving individuals.

In total, the event raised an impressive $20,000. Contributions included $13,700 designated for Freedom Grow and $5,000 for the Last Prisoner Project (LPP). A further $1,300 was raised specifically to support Deshaun Durham, a recent beneficiary of the Last Prisoner Project who is embarking on his pre-law undergraduate journey. These funds were chiefly generated through a live auction that featured a custom painting, with Flora Farms placing the winning bid.

Trumpeting the diversity and connectivity of the cannabis industry, the 2025 Missouri Classic drew participants from various states. Notably, key Missouri operators shared the course with industry figures from Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, Colorado, and Arizona. The event's Diamond Sponsor, Kushy Punch, captivated attendees with a 40’ x 20’ air-conditioned lounge on the course. This included a golf simulator, a punching machine, and even a spontaneous Mario Golf mini-tournament, further enhancing the event's entertainment value.

Competing brands and retailers were eager for the chance to win the Classic Crystal Cup, alongside cash prizes, raffle items, and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Underdog Invitational at Kiawah Island. Among those competing was Ricky Williams, the 2002 NFL rushing champion and Heisman Trophy winner, who played a key role in sponsoring the day’s events through his lifestyle brand, Highsman.

Willy Vlasic, CEO of Vlasic Bioscience, expressed the event's significance, stating, "This tournament has become a place where our industry shows up not just to play golf, but to move the needle for people and causes we care about. Every contribution at Old Kinderhook makes a real-world difference from Freedom Grow and Last Prisoner Project to direct support for Deshaun as he starts college."

Additionally, this year's event marked an important milestone for the company, which recently launched Vlasic Flower in Missouri. Cultivated through Show-Me Organics, this latest venture deepens their affiliations with the Midwest region.

Founded by Vlasic Bioscience, the Vlasic Classic has evolved into a multi-state series of charity golf tournaments, all aimed at generating substantial funds for second-chance initiatives. These initiatives notably include ongoing support for the Last Prisoner Project and Freedom Grow. The series combines friendly competition with purposeful engagement, leaving a positive impact on every market it reaches.

As the event concluded, the camaraderie and shared mission among participants created a palpable sense of community, emphasizing the power of collective efforts in advocating for social change.