Charity tournament raises $8,000+

Winning the fourth annual Junior Garcia Golf Tournament that took place at the Albany Golf Course on Saturday, Oct. 27 was The Wolf Pack, made up of Jason Gardner, Jeff Balliew, Ronnie Kitchens, and Mike Reddin.

The second place team was led by Charles Barrett, and Clint Chapman’s team took third.

Rodney Barton and Charles Barrett won the longest drive competitions.

Closest to the hole bragging rights went to Akisha Holson and Jason Gardner, while Lute Wheeler won the gun raffle.

“It was a beautiful, great day of golf,” said Kim Russell from the class of 1988.

The tournament had originally been planned for Homecoming weekend, but rainy weather caused the event to be postponed for two weeks.

“Numbers were down because of conflicts with the change of date, but the auction went well,” organizer James Sanders said. “We raised somewhere between $8,000 and $10,000. Everyone really poured out their pockets during the auction.”

Sanders also thanked Kasey Cauble, Chance Robison, and Lesley Jones for providing live music.

“The band that we originally scheduled had a conflict,” Sanders said. “I am really thankful that these guys volunteered to help us out, and they did a great job!”

The proceeds from the tournament, raffle, and silent auction help fund scholarships for Albany graduates and help support various charities in the Albany community.