Dobson, NC – On the morning of June 20, 26 teams made up of business and community partners and affiliates of Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation (SYEMC) teed off in an 18-hole competition with one common goal — to give back to local organizations in need. The cooperative’s 12th Charity Golf Tournament raised $41,000, surpassing the SYEMC Community Projects Committee’s goal of $30,000.
On Aug. 21, members of SYEMC’s Community Projects Committee, led by chair Taylor Zimmerman, member services representative II, and vice chair, Caleb Lowe, staff engineer, presented checks to Hometown Habitat for Humanity, serving Yadkin and Wilkes counties; and Yadkin Valley Economic Development District, Inc. (YVEDDI) Meals on Wheels, serving Surry and Yadkin counties. Each organization received $20,500.
The day of the tournament, representatives of Hometown Habitat for Humanity and YVEDDI were on hand to help volunteer and greet the 104 golfers at Cedarbrook Country Club in State Road. The teams were divided into two flights for the captain’s choice format.
First flight winners were Van Gallman, Aaron Hawks, Gene Parker and Kevin Adkins. Second place went to Dale Fulk, Ruston Nelson, Keith Gunter and Josh Pickett.
The winners of the second flight were Jim Gurganus, Larry Oates, Van Gurganus and David Baity. Second place team included Les McBride, Jim Benfield, Mike Mills and Austin Bryant.
Closest to the pin award went to Avery Johnson, and longest drive winner was Connor Key.
“One of the 7 Cooperative Principles that we live by is ‘Concern for Community.’ We are blessed that Surry-Yadkin EMC leaders allow us to support the community in such a meaningful way,” Zimmerman said. “We are extremely appreciative and grateful to our sponsors who make these donations possible each year. They continue to show great support for the co-op communities.”
In addition to the annual golf tournament, Surry-Yadkin EMC, a member-owned not-for-profit electric cooperative, hosts food drives, sponsors families at Christmas, sponsors youth programs like NC Youth Tour, Bright Ideas Education Grants (with applications from area teachers due by Sept. 15), Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarships, and more.
The Community Projects Committee is hosting Bingo on Sept. 21 at the Surry County Service Center, 915 E. Atkins St., Dobson, to raise money for Mountain Valley, which provides hospice, palliative and family support services for members of the community. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with games beginning at 6 p.m.
For more information on SYEMC and its community programs, visit the cooperative’s website at syemc.com.
