Children’s of Alabama Thanks Nucor Steel for Record-Breaking Support

Birmingham, Ala. (Dec. 1, 2023) – Children’s of Alabama would like to thank Nucor Steel Alabama for its continued support of the only freestanding pediatric hospital in the state of Alabama.

The 17^th annual Nucor Children’s Charity Classic presented by ZA Construction broke a new record this year by raising more than $600,000 for Children’s of Alabama. Nucor Steel Alabama has hosted the charity classic since 2007. The golf tournament has raised nearly $6 million since it began. Proceeds from the golf tournament support the hospital and the Child Life and Pastoral Care Programs. It also funds the Simon the Loving Lion Program. 

"Generosity from our supporters like Nucor Steel Alabama allows us to fund these unique programs which help thousands of children from across the Southeast each year," said Mindy Wald, community development manager at Children's of Alabama.

Recently, Nucor Steel Alabama sponsored another addition at Children’s of Alabama, Wanda, the medical dog. Wanda is a 2-year-old golden retriever who joined the staff in June. Wanda began her training as a medical dog at only a few days old at Canine Assistants, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and training hospital service dogs. Combined with the expertise of her handlers and Child Life specialists, Wanda helps patients cope, heal and achieve goal-directed interventions.

“I can confidently say that we would not have Wanda without Nucor’s support. They were such a key part in bringing her here,” said Noelle Connor, child life specialist and Wanda’s handler. “They have been such a valued partnership with us at Children’s for so long, and we were so excited to hear that this was something they wanted to support.”

Wanda and her handlers attended this year’s Nucor Charity Classic. The golf tournament is held yearly at the Robert Trent Jones Trail at Oxmoor Valley. 

Nucor Alabama operates six plants, including Nucor Buildings Group-Eufaula, Nucor Steel Birmingham, Inc., Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, Inc. Vulcraft-Alabama in Fort Payne, Nucor Tubular Products Birmingham and Nucor Steel Decatur LLC.