Teeing Up For a Purpose

2023 ORU Charitable Golf Tournament — a Spectacle of Wiregrass Spirit

Bethany Retherford, WEC human resources and compliance manager, passes out door prizes to winners.

Wiregrass Electric Cooperative pulled off another exceptional event with its second annual Operation Round Up Charitable Golf Tournament. From the friendly competition among 46 teams to the exciting ball drop sponsored by Terex, the tournament exemplified the Wiregrass spirit at its finest.

At the end of the day, the event surpassed its goal, netting over $52,000 — all aimed at making a lasting, positive impact.

More Than a Round of Golf

What’s a golf tournament without food, fellowship and irresistible door prizes? Around 100 door prizes donated by vendors and local businesses were up for grabs, ensuring that almost everyone went home with more than just fond memories.

WEC CFO Lisa LeNoir holds up 1 of the winning numbers of the ball drop.

Best In Tee

Winning might not be the ultimate goal, but it certainly sweetens the game. The top team went home with a cash prize, as did 3 other high-scoring teams. Special awards were given for the longest drive and closest to the pin. Moreover, 4 lucky individuals shared the cash prize from the bucket truck ball drop, sponsored by Terex.

Looking Down The Drive

1st Place Gross - Brandon Lewis, Matt Cook, Adam King, Evan Dykes

Did you miss out on the action this year? Well, start practicing your swing. Late summer 2024 promises another golf tournament with the same mission. Stay tuned for more details on how you can join us in furthering the foundation’s impact.

On behalf of Wiregrass Electric, we’re proud of everything we’ve accomplished together with this event. More importantly, we’re grateful the funds raised through this will find their way to deserving people in the Wiregrass through the wisdom and diligence of our volunteer Operation Round Up Foundation Board.

-- Brad Kimbro, WEC chief operating officer

A player studies the lay of the land before a critical putt.

Where Does The Money Go?

Every cent of the more than $52,000 raised will be directed to Operation Round Up. Funded largely by WEC members who voluntarily round up their electric bills to the next dollar, the program has amassed over $1 million since 2015. The funds go back to the community in a variety of ways, including:

  • Scholarships for local students
  • Equipment for volunteer fire and rescue departments
  • Local classroom projects
  • Emergency disaster relief
  • State-of-the-art medical equipment
  • Medical emergency expenses
  • WEC’s partnership program with WTVY, Silent Heroes of the Wiregrass
  • And much more