ANDERSON — Rain might have driven the golfers off the course before 18 holes were completed, but it didn’t dampen their enthusiasm for the event or for the children that will benefit.

A fast-approaching storm caused the Saint Johns/Sandi Patty Golf Classic to be shortened for just the second time in 24 years Monday at Anderson Country Club.

But the event still raised $47,000, which will go to the Saint John’s Children’s Clinic. In 24 years, over $700,000 has been raised for the clinic. It takes $200,000 yearly to operate the clinic.

One of the day’s celebrities made the trip to the event because of a connection to St. Vincent Hospital and the clinic.

Archie Manning, former New Orleans Saints quarterback and father to the last two Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks, was on hand to speak and to informally meet and greet golfers and celebrities.

“We have a family relationship with St. Vincent’s,” said Manning in a clubhouse interview prior to the event. “They asked me to be on board and I was glad to do it.”

Manning wasn’t at all reluctant to speak about the grid accomplishments, but he did offer, “Two of the things about which I’m most proud are the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital (In Indianapolis) and the Eli Manning Children’s Clinic (Jackson, Miss.).”

But Archie Manning is still amazed by what has transpired over the past two years.

“It’s kind of scary how good it’s been,” said Manning. “But we know not to take the good times for granted. All three of our boys have given us a lot of joy and happiness. We are truly blessed in that way.”

Both Peyton and Eli have faced very different situations in Indianapolis and New York respectively. But they have faced it with the same good nature and tolerance.

“Peyton has loved being (in Indy),” said Archie. “Even Eli, during the toughest times never complained about New York. The thing I really like about Peyton is that he has always been a mentor for his big brother. He’s always been there for Eli.”

Though Archie Manning was an All-Pro caliber quarterback, he deflects any comparison between his abilities and those of his two sons.

“I wasn’t as good as they are,” said Manning emphatically. “I see more similarities between them than seeing myself in either of them. I came in as a running college quarterback. I’m glad I got to play a long time in the NFL. I didn’t see the brightest side of the game.”

He’s seen the game change as well as the quarterback position.

“They (quarterbacks) play a more complex game,” said Manning. “The defenses are more complex due to the specialists and the substitutions. It’s a more physical game. The linebackers are bigger and faster and the defensive backs are bigger and faster.”