COLDWATER — It was a win-win celebration Sunday at the annual Golf Ball Drop of Branch County Coalition Against Domestic And Sexual Violence.
About 1,200 golf balls purchased at $10 each filled five 5-gallon buckets. Coldwater Board of Public Utilities staff went up in an aerial truck and poured them out on the lawn of the Naomi Davis Shelterhouse.
The ball purchased by Rick and Lori Feller landed closest to the hole winning the top prize of $1,000; Tom Hemker was next closest, earning him $500; third was Mary Gutherie’s golf ball, the furthest from the pin earning $250.
All of those cash prizes were also donations to BCCADSV — Michigan Gas Utilities, Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility and Drews Place of Coldwater respectively, said Kim Hemker director of BCCADSV.
Southern Marsh Realty sponsored all the Second Chance drawings. Because so many support the fundraiser, everyone who bought a ball was entered in the drawing. JoEllen Donay won first place, Larry and LouAnne Barr second and Roger and Naomi Fuller third. Mary Ann Cook won the 50/50 raffle.
All of the proceeds support BCCADSV led by Hemker with 23 staff members, some of whom are part-time.
The public was invited to the afternoon open house preceding the golf ball drop for the opportunity to tour the grounds, meet staff and learn more about their extensive services.
Staff members were grilling hot dogs and hamburgers and offering a lunch for a donation. There were several tables of raffle baskets donated by the community and activities for adults and children — cornhole, a bounce house and the playground. The Coldwater Fire Department was on hand with a big red fire truck for children to explore. But as it drew closer to the 5:30 pm drop, many supporters sat in the shade and visited with friends.
A major focus of recent BCCADSV fundraising has been the relocation of the Child Advocacy Center to the Coldwater campus. The center has been extensively supported by the community — businesses, individuals and service clubs — and the facility is becoming a reality.
“I am so grateful,” Hemker said. “Just very grateful.”
BCCADSV Golf Ball Drop and Open House 2022
The annual Golf Ball Drop fundraiser with a BCCADSV open house raises awareness of services for victims of domestic abuse while raising money.
The Daily Reporter