by Shawn Nowlin
More than 100 golfers living in the Roanoke Valley area tee’d off for a great cause on August 5 at the Hunting Hills Country Club. The Annual Shiloh Baptist Church Golf Outing, now in its 12th year, had its most successful turnout to date, according to Chairman J.C. Taylor. Competition and fellowship were on full display from start to finish.
“Some sign-up simply because of the food, but after arriving, they are usually blown away at just how well-organized everything is. We truly are a well-oiled machine. This is our 12th year, and I’ve chaired it from the beginning. People who know me know that if it isn’t right, I don’t touch it,” he said. “One man gave us a $4,500 donation, there were several $1,000 donations and tons of $500 donations too. All in all, close to $50,000 was raised this year.”
Proceeds from the golf tournament will assist the Rescue Mission, Acts II Ministry, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Missionary Ministry Assistance and other organizations. On why he feels it’s important to give back, Taylor explained, “I’ve lived a blessed life, but countless people have helped me along the way over the years. Sometimes the smallest gestures can have the biggest impact.”
Twenty-seven squads competed for the coveted trophy. While foursome sign-ups were encouraged, they were not obligatory. The holes on the course purposefully offered different challenges.
The Altec Team, consisting of Micah Denson, Josh Bailey, Travis Sutphill and Justin Fox, won first-place honors. Among the prizes awarded to the other winners were golf apparel, a cooking grill, restaurant gift cards, free hotel overnight stays and grocery gift cards.
Councilwoman Stephanie Moon Reynolds was on hand as part of the team that served the food.
Before the tournament concluded, Tremont Anderson encouraged all in attendance to support Coach Joe Gaither and his Scouting Cares Program. “This man is a living legend in every sense of the word. He is doing great work and I ask all of you to support his vision,” he said.
Under Taylor’s leadership, this annual event has become one of the best tournaments in the Roanoke Valley. The Shiloh Baptist men’s ministry also holds an Iron Sharpens Iron Empowerment Conference and quarterly prayer breakfast gatherings throughout the year.
It is his hope that next year’s golf outing breaks all records. “Summer is the perfect time to practice your swing on the putting green. The weather was perfect this year. Our mission underlines a commitment to giving back,” he said.
