Chalk Mountain's fight to help stop diabetes

In September Chalk Mountain Golf Course was a site for a bigger cause than the ancient game and traditions of golf.  As a matter of fact the game and its venue helped provide resources to a growing social problem in our country.  This assistance was not through a golf tournament because we wanted to allow everybody away the ability to help.  So to facilitate this Community Walk for Diabetes the golf course remained closed until 9 am so that golfers could get their fix by teeing off from the 1st tee while the 10th tee and back nine were reserved for walkers raising money for diabetes.

What a fantastic day!  The weather was beautiful and the participation was incredible for a first year event that was really grass roots in nature.  The event attracted nearly 60 participants including Tammy Doshier, head golf professional at Chalk Mountain, and her family.  This was an emotional day for Tammy as she and her husband have battled this disease alongside of their son throughout his entire 12-year life.  It was great to hear Tammy tell some stories of their struggles and how he family maintains a positive outlook through it all and has built many fond memories of the past fighting this disease.  Tammy is great mom!

We all walked the 5 miles of the back 9 cart paths and finished in about an hour.  The event concluded with more stories and sharing of memories of many of the participants on the back patio as the golfers were making the turn.  Fun and tears were shared by many, but the winners will be those that benefit through events like this one.  Joel Clay, Chalk Mountain General Manager,  was the man with the idea for this event and he has a greater idea that many of you viewing this blog can help us to realize.  We raised $5,000 with this first event with little advertising or promotion.  Diabetes effects 2 out of 5 individuals in our country and it is growing.  What if every state in America hosted a single diabetes walk each year and raised $5,000?  That would be $250,000 raised for this worthy cause.  I can't wait to see how this event grows next year!