Putt-putt tournament raises $1,500 for Wesley Woods
By Anita Ayers Henderlight
Uh-oh. Rain.
On the heels of a clear, sunny Saturday came a cloudy, overcast Sunday. Not a good thing considering it was the launching of Camp Wesley Woods’ first annual miniature golf tournament at Celebration Station in Knoxville on Oct. 26. But in true camper fashion, the tournament organizers and competitors were not going to let a little inclement weather dampen their spirits.
Chuckling, camp board member Randy Allen said, “We could play slip and slide on the greens if we couldn’t golf!” Louise Greer, development director for Wesley Woods, added, “If it’s not monsooning, we do everything else at camp. Why not play putt-putt?”
Apparently that sentiment was shared by the 62 charitable golfers who showed up to spend an afternoon hitting blue, green, yellow, or orange balls on the miniature course. Rain or shine, the goal for the afternoon was to have fun, raise awareness of the camp’s financial needs, and create a fundraiser that could become an annual event, according to David Leach, Wesley Woods director. These goals seemingly were achieved by virtue of the golfers’ enthusiasm.
A father and son team from Middlebrook Pike United Methodist church, Nathan and Matthew Malone, came in under par on more than one hole, creating cause for celebration by the dynamic duo. Casey Matheny and Wes Adcock, from Mountain View UMC, made their way onto the “leaders board” after playing the wrong course, but quickly redeemed themselves by playing another round on the right one, maintaining their status on the board. Mother and sons, Melanie, Aidan, and Caleb Leach proved the theory, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” The young boys kept swinging until they heard their golf balls “clink” successfully in the holes.
Members from six churches, camp workers, and Holston Conference staff exhibited their skills on the small fairways. As for my amateur golf talent, Tiger Woods has no worries about professional competition. However, the golf champ may want to take note of Jami Schmid and Kari Mullins’ combined 3 under par score for a tally of 39. Members of Christ UMC in Knoxville, they produced the winning score and were the victors remaining on the leaders board. Anne Travis, Holston director of connectional ministries, tried to convince organizers that she could have won if they had allowed her to use her last bowling score!
To date, participants have contributed more than $1,500. Donations will continue to be collected through Nov. 10. Middlesettlements UMC contributed more than $700 to the camp cause, which included youth pumpkin-sale proceeds.
What is it about summer camp that brings together children, teens and adults on a rainy day in October? It’s obvious to camp board member Charlie Wimmer: “Camp creates relationships that last throughout life.” In a fragmented, harried, technological world of multi-tasking, camp experiences take people of all ages back to nature and to a place where they connect with old and new friends – and with God.
Tournament volunteer and Maryville College student, Lauren Smith, could be a poster child for camp. She began attending Wesley Woods in the 2nd grade. In the 4th grade she told her mom, “I’m going to be a counselor at camp one day.” She achieved her goal and has now been associated with the camp for 10 years. “There’s not enough time to tell about all the good things that happen at camp,” she said.
It’s that type of connection that brings in people by church bus, vans, and cars from the Knoxville area to play miniature golf in the rain.
If you missed out on the fun, tournament donations are still being accepted through Nov. 10 and may be sent to Camp Wesley Woods, 329 Wesley Woods Road, Townsend, TN 37882. Visit Wesley Woods’ Web site at http://www.campwesleywoods.com
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