VIENNA - The Camden Clark Foundation anticipates raising more than $40,000 with its 25th annual Charity Golf Classic.
The classic was held Monday at Parkersburg Country Club and included prizes, contests, food and drinks.
Kim Couch, executive director of the foundation, played an active role in the golf classic. Every year the money raised goes to a different section of Camden Clark Medical Center.
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Photo by Jeff Baughan
Parkersburg Country Club pro Scott Davidson, right, and Wood County Commissioner Steve Gainer measure the distance to determine the closest to the pin Monday afternoon during the annual Camden Clark Foundation “golf ball drop.”
Proceeds from this year's fundraiser will go to the Camden Clark Foundation's children's center to provide newborn safety clinics and educational programs focusing on the special delivery unit, which offers parenting and birthing classes, Couch said.
"Every year we have 36 teams (of golfers)," said Couch; "we send out save the dates in March."
Golfers can sign up as early as two weeks in advance, and the classic is limited to 144 players. Everyone leaves with a prize, including the free T-shirts all participants are given.
"The country club does a tremendous job," said Couch. "It's a beautiful course and a beautiful day in terms of golfing weather."
There were about 25 volunteers on the course and plenty of chances for golfers to win prizes.
The charity "golf ball drop" was held at 3 p.m. as a helicopter dropped golf balls from about 40 feet onto a spot on the course.
A flag signified where the golf balls should land, and the golf balls were numbered. Participants bought tickets, and golf balls landing closest to the flag won prizes for the people.
The 400 golf balls were dumped from a bucket onto the course.
"It's a great way for anyone to participate," said Couch.
A golf ball purchased by Amy Ocasio, of Parkersburg, won the first-place prize of $5,000 with a ball landing about five feet (63.25 inches) from the flag.
Stephanie Barnes, of Belpre, took second prize with her golf ball landing 64.75 inches from the flag. Coming in third at 69.25 inches from the flag was James White, of Parkersburg.
Second-place prize was jewelry and third-place prize was an annual membership to Camden Clark Medical Center's Family Fitness Center in Parkersburg.
Doug Swearingen, of Vienna, representing First Neighborhood Bank in Parkersburg, said he has been participating in the golf classic for the last four or five years.
"I love the course," he said, "and the cause as well."
