10th Annual K-9 Golf Outing Raises an Estimated $8,000 With Plenty of Wisecracks Along the Way
ASHLAND, OH — The golf balls were flying, the putts were dropping, or at least getting close, and the friendly trash talk was in full swing Saturday as golfers gathered at Brookside Golf Course for the 10th Annual Ashland County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Golf Outing.
The milestone event featured approximately 22 four-person teams, including many familiar faces who have supported the fundraiser year after year. The outing was filled with friendly banter, wisecracks and good-natured ribbing as players competed for prizes, bragging rights and, most importantly, the Sheriff’s Office K-9 team.
Some golfers brought their best game. Others brought creative explanations for where their golf balls went.
There were reportedly a few eagles but no confirmed holes-in-one. According to Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Matt Neff, nearly everyone finished at or better than par, with at least one notable exception.
“There was a lot of good play and a lot of good golfers,” Neff joked. “Almost everyone was par or better, besides me. I’m not a good golfer.”
While the scorecards may have sparked some debate, there was no question about the fundraiser’s success. Organizers estimate the outing raised approximately $8,000 after expenses for the Sheriff’s Office K-9 program.
Ashland County Sheriff Kurt J. Schneider said the K-9s provide abilities that benefit not only his office but law enforcement agencies throughout the county.
“The canines are a great asset to our agency and every other agency in the county,” Schneider said.
Schneider emphasized that the program’s success is made possible through donations and the generosity of local residents and businesses.
“They are all supported by the community,” Schneider said. “The funds are all raised through community support.”
Neff also thanked everyone who contributed through sponsorships, donations and participation.
“Thanks to everyone for their dedication, sponsorship and donations that they gave to us,” Neff said.
A&M Fire and Safety Equipment has helped organize the outing throughout its 10-year history, handling donations and much of the work needed to keep the event running smoothly.
Missy Freelon of A&M Fire and Safety Equipment said the fundraiser began a decade ago with a desire to build the K-9 program, provide its teams with needed resources and help the public better understand the dogs’ work.
“We wanted to build the program into something big and be able to get what we needed,” Freelon said. “They’re all funded by donations only.”
Over the years, the outing has typically generated between $7,000 and $9,000 annually. That money helps cover food, veterinary bills, training, cruiser fans, leashes, bite sleeves, medical instruction for handlers and other equipment the dogs need to remain healthy and ready for duty.
The fundraiser’s success has been driven by loyal golfers and businesses that return year after year.
“We get 22 teams religiously every year, and it’s almost the same exact golfers year after year,” Freelon said. “We’re lucky to live in a community that supports us so much.”
Major sponsors recognized by organizers included Gibbs Towing, Friendly Express, Compass Insurance, Renaissance Tradesman and Aztec Soil. Renaissance Tradesman provided custom shirts and signs for the event, while Perrysville C Store assisted with food and drinks. Numerous additional businesses sponsored holes, donated prizes or otherwise helped make the outing possible.
The day also included raffles featuring a Cleveland Browns golf bag, a Blue Tees Bluetooth golf GPS speaker and a cooler filled with golf gear and other prizes.
By the time the final putt fell, the golfers had produced plenty of questionable scorekeeping, several stories likely to improve with age and approximately $8,000 for a worthy cause.
For 10 years, the outing has proven that even when a golf ball refuses to fly straight, the community’s support for the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office K-9 program remains right on course.
