Mac Davis to Appear at BYR Showdown

Legendary Texas singer/songwriter and television host Mac Davis will headline the fall benefit for Bluebonnet Youth Ranch. The celebrity golf tournament, banquet and showdown, now in its 33rd year, raises money to help provide a home to hundreds of Texas children who have been victims of abuse or neglect. Event organizers hosted a kickoff luncheon Friday to announce which celebrities would make appearances this year. Along with golf pros and professional athletes, Grammy winners, opry performers and other musicians will team up with golfers for the two-day tournament set for Oct. 12 and 13.

Claud Jacobs, co-chairman of the tournament, said the benefit has grown from 28 participants to more than 300. "People give so much of their time," he told the Victoria Advocate. "You can see the results."

Last year, funds from the benefit helped the ranch demolish a cottage and construct a new four-unit apartment. The apartment houses two former residents - one home for the summer and another enrolled at Victoria College - who are taking part in a new mentoring program at the ranch.

Bluebonnet Youth Ranch opened in 1972 and has cared for about 450 children, from infants to 18-year-olds. Singer/songwriter Allen Shamblin will host his third celebrity golf tournament for the youth ranch.