17 August 2014
By Edie Hubler, FOTAS Director
There are so many things to love about Aiken. It is a quaint southern town, full of tradition, historic homes, shaded parkways, and cool shops.
And then there are the citizens of the Aiken community: active and generous people who love their sports as much as they love their animals. Among other things, Aiken boasts the oldest continuously used polo field in the country, one of the few court tennis facilities in the country, and one of the oldest fox hunting drag hunts in the country.
And then there’s golf: Aiken is a quintessential haven for golfers because of the rolling country and temperate climates. Courses ranging from the iconic Augusta National just across the state line to the oldest golf course in the country, Palmetto Golf Course, so many people move or retire here solely for the golf.
So when FOTAS volunteer Sandy Staiger proposed organizing a golf tournament to raise money for FOTAS and the animals in the Aiken County Animal Shelter, we were thrilled. What a great way to combine the community’s fervor to help its helpless animals with its fever for fun.
On September 22, 2014, FOTAS is sponsoring Playing Fore the Pets at the popular Houndslake Country Club, with lots of prizes and surprises.
The tournament will be played as atraditional 4-person Captain’s Choice, and the first player who sinks a hole-in-one on a Par 3 hole will win a car from Honda Cars of Aiken. There will be other hole challenges, various trophies & prizes for the golfers as well as food and drink. Plus, all registered golfers will receive a coupon to receive a FREE Razor Golf Club valued at $120.
But wait, that’s not all, folks, there’s a twist. In fact, it’s a
$1,000.00 Twist.
It’s going to rain golf balls.
That’s right – golf balls. In the early afternoon, and never before seen in Aiken, a helicopter will drop pre-numbered golf balls from 300 feet over a designated hole. If you donate $10.00 to FOTAS for a corresponding ticket to one of the pre-numbered golf balls, you will have a chance to win $1,000.00. The first ball that goes in the hole or lands closest to the hole is the winner. There are a limited number of ball tickets being sold and you don’t have to play in the tournament or be present to win. Tickets can be purchased at Aiken Dry Goods, Aiken Saddlery, Family Pharmacy (Price Ave. location), Aiken County Animal Shelter, Houndslake Country Club, Honda Cars of Aiken, or by contacting golf@FOTASAiken.org.
All proceeds from this action-packed event will benefit the Aiken County Animal Shelter, because, as you know, keeping the County’s homeless animals is not fun and games.
Virtually every dollar FOTAS raises is dedicated to those animals. Through fundraisers like this, FOTAS buys necessary medicine and equipment, like flea and heartworm treatments, leashes, collars, grooming supplies and training treats.
The money buys food and supplies for our animals in foster care and veterinary treatment for animals with special needs. It supplements the County’s spay/neuter voucher program and provides manpower and resources to fix pets and neuter community cats in County hotspots. It pays the cost of transporting animals to no-kill partner shelters in other parts of the country.
Join us on September 22nd at Houndslake. Play golf, watch the festivities, meet some of our adoptable animals. Your participation and donations will make a difference in the lives of the dogs and cats at the County Shelter.
For more information on the event, activities and sponsorship opportunities, go to fotasaiken.com.
PET OF THE WEEK
BUDDY Beagle … Male … 2 yrs… 21 lbs. — $70
COCONUT Tabby … Male… 4 ys .. 8.9 lbs. — $35
