Aiken County’s Annual Golf Fundraiser: Playing Fore the Pets Shines Bright
On a stunningly sunny day in Aiken County, the annual Playing Fore the Pets golf fundraiser brought together nearly 200 enthusiastic golfers and around 40 dedicated volunteers on October 21. Hosted at the beautiful Reserve Club at Woodside, the event not only celebrated a passion for golf but also emphasized the community’s commitment to supporting the Aiken County Animal Shelter.
A Day to Remember
As the sun climbed from the brisk low 60s to a cozy mid-70s, golfers took to the course, ready to make a difference. Lyddie Hansen, now in her third year as the tournament committee chair, expressed her excitement about the turnout: “We had 191 registered golfers and almost 40 volunteers. It was a beautiful day for golf, and most of the golfers have played in this tournament before. We truly appreciate their ongoing support of the Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS).”
Golf enthusiasts took advantage of the gorgeous weather, aiming to make a mark on the day. The ambience was lively, filled with camaraderie and the sound of laughter, mingling with the gentle rustle of leaves in the soft breeze that blew from the north-northwest.
Tournament Highlights
Throughout the day, golfers participated in various fun contests, showcasing their skills on the green. This year’s top two foursomes included Lance Kledas, Trevor McCraw, Stephen Poole and Patrick Cunning; followed closely by Mike Roberts, David Sutton, Don Chambers and Matt Owens. In the “closest to the pin” contest, John Malloy dazzled everyone by landing his shot just under 2 feet, 10 inches from the hole, with Chris Rosales trailing closely at 5 feet. The day also featured fierce competition for the longest drives, secured by Ryan Blane and Jason Rabun.
More Than Just Golf
The event wasn’t solely about the golf; it was an opportunity to share heartwarming stories, such as that of Jennifer Miller, the president of FOTAS. She introduced one of the stars of the day, Rocky, a former shelter dog she had adopted. Rocky charmed both participants and spectators alike, showcasing the positive impact that adopting a pet can have on one’s life.
In keeping with tradition, the tournament featured a thrilling helicopter ball drop to kick off the event. Greg Burkes, a dedicated FOTAS booster, coordinated the drop with the support of Prestige Helicopters from Atlanta, piloted by Mike Russell. Golf balls rained down from the sky, adding a unique twist to the day’s activities that left participants buzzing with excitement.
Supporting a Worthy Cause
The funds raised during the Playing Fore the Pets event will significantly benefit the Aiken County Animal Shelter. The mission of FOTAS is crystal clear: to promote animal welfare, encourage responsible pet ownership, and strive towards a future where no adoptable animal faces euthanasia. FOTAS operates entirely on private donations, a fact that highlights the importance of community involvement in their efforts.
As the sun set behind the greens, the spirit of fellowship among the participants was palpable. The bond forged over a shared love for animals and a commitment to making their welfare a priority was the true highlight of the day. This event not only raised funds but also helped strengthen community bonds, all while providing a wonderful afternoon out on the links.
With the successful conclusion of this year’s event, plans are already stirring for next year. If the energy and engagement seen this year is any indication, Aiken County’s Playing Fore the Pets will continue to grow in both spirit and support for our furry friends.
