September 19, 2024September 24, 2024

Community Drives Success at Make Par for Pets Golf Classic

In Featured, News, Pets, ProgramsTags
This article was featured in WYDaily on 9/19/24
The Heritage Humane Society’s annual golf tournament was back in full swing on Fri., Sept. 13, at Kingsmill Resort, raising funds for Greater Williamsburg’s largest shelter for homeless pets. This marked the third consecutive year the area’s popular charity tournament teed off at the prestigious resort, with golfers and sponsors alike making it a hole-in-one for the cause.

Making eagles and birdies for dogs and cats

This year’s tournament saw a total of 244 golfers taking to both the acclaimed River and Plantation Courses in a Captain’s Choice format. The event kicked off bright and early with range time, a breakfast, and putting contest, followed by a shotgun start, and lunch and awards ceremony topped with a mini-concert by Good Shot Judy.
“This year’s Make Par for Pets Golf Classic raised more than $88,000 that will go to the care of the area’s largest homeless pet population at The Heritage Humane Society. It costs more than $3,000 every single day to operate this vital community resource and the passion and dedication of every golfer, sponsor and volunteer is a testament of the deep love Greater Williamsburg has for thinking and caring locally,” says Kimberly Laska, CAWA, Executive Director of The Heritage Humane Society. “One of my favorite parts of Make Par for Pets Golf Classic is how many people share with us their personal stories of adopting their pets from The Heritage Humane Society and what a life-changing difference those pets make in their lives.”

Sponsors step up to the tee

With 59 sponsors on board, including 13 exclusive sponsors, the tournament proved to be a stellar display of community support. The event’s Presenting Sponsor was Invisible Fence Brand of Hampton Roads. Other top sponsors included:

Additionally, the dedicated presence throughout the courses of 13 Eagle Sponsors, 11 Birdie Sponsors, four “Purr-fect Teams,” and 18 Hole Sponsors came together, driving support for the community’s shelter. The full lineup of sponsors ensured that each golfer enjoyed a memorable experience, with highlights on every hole and an array of refreshments provided throughout the day. FineSigns made the shelter-themed signage displayed through the tournament and Fleming’s Engraving made the sponsor and awards plaques. Fredericks Photo & Films captured the day’s highlights. This year’s golf tournament highlights are included in this photo album and the video shown at the awards luncheon. The laugh-filled day wrapped up with the winners of 35 raffle prizes generously donated by local businesses and individuals.
A special thank you goes out to the 35 HHS Auxiliary volunteers and board members who made this event possible. These passionate volunteers begin working on the following year’s golf tournament immediately and their work, along with that of the shelter’s staff, delivers the area’s most popular charity golf event.

The Heritage Humane Society wishes to thank the dedication of sponsors, golfers, volunteers, and donors of the Make Par for Pets Golf Classic, which once again scored a win for the community and the shelter’s homeless pets.

New events make the tournament even more paws-itive

This year, new additions like the “Neuter Nut Putt” contest created extra excitement. Golfers had the chance to make a $10 donation to compete in this unique putting challenge, vying for prizes and a shot at $5,000. Adding to the day’s spirit, a “High School Flight” was introduced on the Plantation Course, featuring teams from Warhill, Lafayette, and Jamestown high schools. The involvement of these young players was made possible by the generous support of board members and a donor of The Heritage Humane Society.

Another first for this year was the participation of Jeff and Brett Cahoon from Good Shot Judy, who took to the course alongside their parents, Bill and Judy Cahoon. During the awards luncheon, the Cahoon brothers, along with saxophonist Brandon Musko, delivered an unforgettable performance for attendees.

On course for the future with surprise announcement

Each year, to the delight of The Heritage Humane Society, many tournament attendees express excitement for even returning and participating in the following year’s Make Par for Pets Golf Classic. Next year the event will once again be in Sept. 2025 with the location to be announced at a later date.
At this year’s awards luncheon, Executive Director Kimberly Laska, CAWA, announced a surprise event scheduled to take place even before the next golf tournament. The crowd was the first to learn that The Heritage Humane Society will be hosting its first-ever Black Tie & Tails Gala. Slated for Feb. 15, 2025, at Colonial Heritage, the gala promises a glamorous winter evening complete with a plated dinner, wine, beer, a VIP reception with champagne and hors d’oeuvres, raffles, and plenty of swing and swagger with a concert by Good Shot Judy. Online registration will be opening soon.

Pets ready for the best round of their lives

Make Par for Pets helps the homeless pets at The Heritage Humane Society during their temporary stays as they look for their forever families to adopt them. Over 260 dogs, cats and small pets are currently in the shelter’s care. Adoptable pets are available to meet during The Heritage Humane Society’s visiting and adopting hours from 12 to 4:30 p.m., Tues. through Sun. 
To learn more, visit HeritageHumane.org, call 757-221-0150, or visit The Heritage Humane Society located at 430 Waller Mill Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185. 

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