INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The third annual In the Ruff golf tournament this weekend to benefit H.A.L.O. Rescue and Stray No More, Inc. was held at the beautiful Indian River Club. During the heat of the day the temperature rose over 90 degrees, but no one in attendance seemed the worse for wear. A welcome breeze occasionally swept over the links while nothing but smiles and laughter could be heard among the crowd.
“This is a first class golf course,” said Eric Hunter, WAVE 92.7 Radio host, and participant in the tournament. “We are all very happy to be here to support this important cause.”
Hunter, with three dachshunds at home of his own, endearingly referred to his canines as “carpet sharks.”
“They dive for whatever hits the carpet,” Hunter chuckled. “I am glad this tournament is held each year to help in H.A.L.O.’s effort in providing deserving pets loving homes.”
H.A.L.O. (Helping Animals Live and Overcome) Rescue, the only no-kill animal shelter in Indian River County, is dedicated to providing a safe haven for abused and abandoned animals waiting to find a new home. Stray No More, Inc. is a volunteer organization committed to reducing the stray animal population through a low cost spay/neuter program. Their annual golf tournament is organized by volunteers and supported by community businesses to defray the costs of this non-profit organization.
A pre-event poolside cocktail party kicked off the charity benefit on the night before the tournament. Entertainment was provided by the fun and quirky band, The Dog Bones, a professional sextet, comprised of four trombones, tuba, and percussion. Heavy hors d’oeuvres were served throughout the evening along with lively music with the spotlight only to be shared by the police K-9 demonstration, which left the crowd cheering.
Early the next morning, golfers gathered for a lovely continental breakfast in the clubhouse, followed by a shotgun start and a scramble format with a field of 84 players.
The clubhouse continued to bustle with activity throughout the event including an eclectic and interesting silent auction. Some very special items were available including unique golf art, amusing pet items, high quality golf equipment, and most notably, a round of golf with country music star, Jake Owen.
Following the golf tournament was the event awards ceremony, including two flights of first place team trophies, closest to the hole and longest drive awards all followed by a delicious all-you-can-eat barbecue.
Kim Kern, event coordinator and H.A.L.O. volunteer, was pleased with the event’s success.
“We hold this event in July because the costs are more affordable during off-season,” Kern said. “This organization, as well as this event, continue to grow by leaps and bounds and this tournament brings in a large crowd who support us year-round.”
Outside the golf clubhouse, throughout the day, a H.A.L.O. temporary pet center was organized by volunteers, which was open to the public. Pets of all shapes and sizes were available for adoption on site and a low cost vaccination clinic was hosted by The Florida Veterinary League.
“Our goal is to provide a safe haven for abused and abandoned animals while they wait for a second chance at finding a home,” said Sandy Leonard, H.A.L.O. volunteer who provided help at the tournament pet center and who assists in the oversight of the local Petco adoption partnership program.
Leonard is one of the 100 volunteers who assist the shelter operate annually, which is solely supported by private contributions and fundraising efforts. Currently there are 90 dogs at the shelter and 100 cats.
“The numbers of abandoned animals and families surrendering their pets increase every year due to the challenges of the economy,” Jacqueline Petrone, H.A.L.O. Executive Director explained. “There is a full waiting list.”
“We provide many services to the Indian River County community,” Petrone continued. “Most importantly, our goal to reduce the overpopulation of pets.”
In that effort, H.A.L.O. provides low cost spay and neuter certificates available for use at the Florida Veterinary League in Vero Beach.
“Without their partnership in providing expert care and low cost services we passionately believe that we would not have come as far as we have in saving animal lives.” Petrone said.
“We have relationships with pet rescue and foster organizations throughout the state and work diligently with local organizations and foundations,” said Petrone. “The Blue Ribbon Charitable Foundation is also immensely helpful to us.”
“Sadly, however, despite these amazing partnerships, our veterinary bill is $15,000 in debt to date,” Petrone said.
“Thus the reason we are here today,” event organizer, Kim Kern added. “We need everyone’s support to continue to meet the community’s needs.”
