Helping Out Those in Need

The 1st Annual Veterans Helping Veterans Charity Fundraiser, Tennis Mixed Doubles Challenge and Golf Outing will be held on Friday and Saturday, October 18-19, 2013, at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club. This fundraiser consists of many great events for registered participants, sponsors or donors. These activities include a tennis challenge, tennis wheelchair exhibition, cocktail reception with a silent auction, and golf tournament. ALL proceeds benefit the Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans “American Heroes Shouldn’t Be Homeless” project.

The initial idea for this fundraiser began when one of our members came to us and asked if we could help him put on a golf tournament with Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans, a non-profit organization helping veterans and their families. He explained the cause and how 100% of the money raised by this organization goes directly to the vets in need. We decided that this was a great opportunity to help out veterans and our community. Ergo, the Veterans Helping Veterans Charity Fundraiser was created!

Events on Friday, October 18th

Friday morning will feature a tennis challenge and wheelchair exhibition. The tennis tournament is a mixed doubles challenge with an eight game pro set and double elimination. The tournament will also feature disabled veterans who play tennis a little different than most — in wheelchairs — in an exhibition match.

On Friday evening, there will be a cocktail reception featuring a quartet from the Ocala Symphony and two guest speakers – Former Assistant Secretary of Defense John Grimes and Major General Edward Leacock – and entertainment provided by the Garrett Miles Band and Charlie Allen. Not to mention, a lot of socializing! For those who enjoy bidding, the silent auction will be a neat way to pick up some very nice items including rounds of golf, vacations, as well as donated military items.

Events on Saturday, October 19th

The golf tournament on Saturday will start at 8:30am on our beautiful 18-hole championship golf course. 120 golfers will play in the tournament, each receiving a unique gift donated from a sponsor for his/her participation. In addition to bragging rights, players will compete for special prizes including a car, a boat, and a motorcycle given away for the first hole-in-one at each of the par three holes. An awards luncheon will follow the golf tournament.

Our beautiful course!

Golden Ocala is proud to support this great cause in our community. Check back next week for a recap of the event. If you did not register for the fundraiser but would like to support the cause, visit the Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans website to learn how you can donate and get involved.