Shag Club raises $16K-plus at charity golf tournament
The ghouls, goblins and golfers came out to play this Halloween, supporting the community with their golf club for Sumter Shag Club's 6th-annual Charity Golf Tournament.
On Saturday, Oct. 31, at Dillon Park's Crystal Lake Golf Course, the local club's golf tournament featured 27 teams and 103 sponsors - 21 of which were new to the tournament.
Major contributions were made by Platinum Sponsor McCoy Plumbing, Gold Sponsors Doc Dunlap-Dunlap Properties/Summit Properties, SAFE Federal Credit Union, Smith Robinson attorneys and Silver Sponsors BC Mulch & More, Blake English-Edward Jones Investments, Leo's, Lisa's Ark Pet Care and Yucatan.
Thanks to all the sponsors, donors and players, the Shag Club raised $16,336 to support Turbeville Children's Home and Wedgefield Home for Kids.
Turbeville Children's Home Director Perry Wooten spoke about the agency's commitment to providing "a safe and nurturing environment for children" unable to live with their parents. TCH, which opened in 1949, has been dedicated to supporting the needs of each child and helping them build a brighter future for 70-plus years.
Wedgefield Home for Kids founder and President Pastor Paul Goff spoke of their goal to provide a safe, stable and loving environment for "orphaned and vulnerable children" in Sumter. The home offers both long-term and short-term placements, and its services extend to Sumter's military community in the event of emergency placement because of rapid deployment or other military family needs. Its mission is to "glorify the Lord by supporting each child's spiritual, physical and educational growth, helping them excel with Christ as their guide."
Golfers, sponsors and volunteers were able to enjoy a meal of freshly grilled hamburgers and hotdogs with all the extras, chili, chips and drinks. To top it off, homemade cookies and treats were provided by club members.
Prizes were awarded for first-, second- and third-place teams with three age divisions as well as closest to the pin and longest drive. Through generous donations from local businesses and club members, there were numerous silent auction items, and every golfer received a door prize.
The Shag Club expressed its gratitude to those who made the tournament possible, as without them, "Sumter Shag Club couldn't make such a great impact in the lives of the children in our community."
Anyone interested in being a sponsor for the 7th-annual Sumter Shag Club Charity Golf Tournament, scheduled for October 2027, can contact Whit Blanton at (843) 250-9169, Melissa May at (501) 607-1243 or email sumtershagclub@yahoo.com.
Sumter Shag Club meets every Tuesday from 7 to 10 p.m. at Restaurant at Second Mill's Lounge, 2390 Broad St. Free basic shag lessons occur every Tuesday from 6:30 to 7 p.m. with a new line dance lesson every third Tuesday. There is no cover charge to come out and enjoy the sounds of beach music and dance the evening away or just sit back and watch.