The James M. Dye Foundation’s second Birdies for Bucks Golf Classic was another tremendous success and will have a direct impact on South Georgia State College students seeking to earn a college degree. The event, held April 23 at the Okefenokee Country Club, raised over $15,000 for the Foundation’s Gap Fund Program.
“I am so proud of the success of this year’s tournament,” said SGSC President Dr. Ingrid Thompson-Sellers. “The support received from sponsors, players, and volunteers is a testimony to the area’s commitment to both SGSC and student success.”
The Foundation’s Gap Fund Program provides mini-grants to students who encounter an outstanding tuition and fee balance after exhausting all other sources of financial aid.
Dye Foundation President Pam Taylor is grateful to those who supported the golf tournament through sponsorships, entering a team, and/or serving as a volunteer.
“The support the Foundation has received from this tournament ensures that the organization’s mission of helping college students achieve a degree continues for many years to come,’ said Taylor. “I am so grateful to everyone who had a part in making this second tournament such a huge success.”
The tournament featured a four-player scramble format, and prizes were awarded to the top four teams in gross and net categories. The team of Mike Ranew, Dr. Christopher Yonz, Matthew Yonz, and Randy Yonz took top honors in gross score. Jacob Brinkley, Dan Hobby, Mike Hobby, and Kaylon Moore finished first in net score.
Foundation Executive Director Taylor Hereford said sponsor and player support is vital to the success of any golf tournament. He said those who work behind the scenes are also very important pieces to the event’s success.
“We had a total of 25 people pitch in to help make this tournament the best it could be,” Hereford said. “There were SGSC students, Foundation trustees, community members, and country club personnel, all of whom ensured the event ran smoothly. We have received a lot of positive feedback, and I have no doubt this is because of our tournament volunteers.”
Hereford also pointed to the experience Randy Yonz brought to planning the event.
“Randy has a lot of knowledge and experience when it comes to golf tournaments like this. His input during the planning process was key, and I am very grateful,” said Hereford.
The Foundation wishes to thank the following for supporting this year’s tournament:
Gold Sponsor – Memorial Satilla Health
Bronze Sponsors – BYRT, Georgia Power, Hospice Satilla, Miles-Odum Funeral Home & Crematory, Lewis & Raulerson, Inc., Dr. Ingrid Thompson-Sellers, Waycross Convention & Visitors Bureau
Driving Range Sponsors – Citizens to Elect Justice Boggs, Inc.; Clayton Waycross Home Building Facility; Coca-Cola, Gibson & Associates, PC, Music Funeral Home, PrimeSouth Bank, SGSC Faculty
Hole Sponsors – Sandra Adams, Ankle & Foot Associates, Blueberry Mansion, Callaway Advertising, City of Homerville, Clinch County Chamber of Commerce, CRH Cardiology Group, CRH Oncology Group, CRH Surgical Group, CRH Women’s Center, Crossway Realty, Georgia Power, GHC Hospice, Howard Meadows State Farm, Miller Tire Pros, Dr. David Morton, Orthopedic Surgeons of Georgia, Swampfest, Waycross Rotary Club
Hole Contest Sponsors – Applebee’s, Dr. Michelle DiBiase, Golf 101, Griffin’s Prescription Shop, HIBA, Jake & Ed’s, Lee Hardware & Building Supply, Dr. John Lefand, Lowe’s, Okefenokee Country Club, Walker-Jones, Wilson Insurance
Tournament Lunch – Lewis & Raulerson – Friendly Express Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Silent Auction – Choo Choo Germano, Whitaker’s Golf Carts
Special Thanks – Coca-Cola, Community Volunteers, Dye Foundation Board of Trustees, Dye Foundation Tournament Committee, Malori Martin, Okefenokee Country Club, Mike Ranew, SGSC Student Volunteers, Stewart Distribution, Randy Yonz
Teams – Team 1: Mike Ranew, Dr. Christopher Yonz, Matthew Yonz, Randy Yonz; Team 2: Wayne Bashlor, Wes Bennett, Terrell McCall, Philip Suess; Team 3: Nick Cantrell, Ellis McNeal, JD Starling, Bryant Wiggins; Team 4: Don James, Dennis Rollins, Sparky Sharpton, Tommy Tapley; Team 5: Tyler Flanders, Jack Fulford, Bob Hereford, Peter Poole; Team 6: Alex Bell, Schley Eldridge, Sam Sports, Zac Thornton; Team 7: Micky Bokor, Randy Howell, Dr. David Morton, Greg O’Brien; Team 8: Sandra Adams, Eulin Gibbs, Danielle Haik, Robert Hall; Team 9: Kaleb Dial, Joseph Hayman, Nick Putala, Emma Thomas; Team 10: Seth Bagaria, James Coons, Charles Daniels, Daniel Warren; Team 11: Josh Cave, Austin Delk, Ben Lang, Kipp McArthur; Team 12: Tyler Dasher, Brandon Popham, Gram Raley, Chris Wysong; Team 13: Dr. Wade Dye, Billy Gillis, Dr. Rick Lynch, Strat Theologus; Team 14: Alei Flanders, Dutch McNeal, Bruce Tison, Ty Wright; Team 15: W.A. Carver, Ben Evans, Marshall Spivey, Will Spivey; Team 16: Mac Dean, Davis Hereford, Clarissa Musgrove, Carlin Paulk; Team 17: Sam Stovall, Bobby Tippins, Chris Willis, James Willis; Team 18: Jacob Brinkley, Dan Hobby, Mike Hobby, and Kaylon Moore; Team 19: Brad Cone, Brad Herrin, Greg O’Quinn, Andy Wilson
The James M. Dye Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit cooperative organization of South Georgia State College. Contributions to the Foundation are tax-deductible as allowed by law. For more information about the Foundation or to donate, call (912) 449-7510 or email taylor.hereford@sgsc.edu.