Hope on the Horizon: How Golf Shops Can Aid Hurricane Recovery

Written by Katelyn Madsen

In late September of this year, the Category 4 storm Hurricane Helene swept through America’s Southeast, causing catastrophic damage and taking the lives of more than 230 people. This has quickly become the deadliest mainland hurricane since Katrina in 2005, with hundreds of homes, roads, and businesses destroyed and entire communities wiped off of the map. 

Though a month has passed since the storm hit, devastation still remains. Helicopter flyovers have reported people living in tents or makeshift trailers. There is much left to do to ensure that people regain shelter, the ongoing need for basic living supplies, and warmth for the coming winter months.

How your golf shop can make a difference:

A little kindness goes a long way. By taking action, your golf shop can play a vital role in supporting relief efforts. Here are a few ideas inspired by stories of those in need:

Club Clothing Drive

• If your golf shop is near any of the affected areas, consider hosting a clothing drive where you encourage members to bring in new or gently used winter clothing. Heading into the cold winter months, many organizations have requested donations of socks, jackets, scarves, hats, gloves, and other warm items for the thousands who have been displaced. 
• If you have additional stock in inventory, consider adding that to the donation. This act of kindness may encourage your members to donate as well, giving credence to the significance of the need.

Pay-to-Play Golf Fundraiser

• Host a fun, pay-to-play golf event where participants donate a fee to play a specific hole. The prize? A chance to win a $50 pro shop gift card if they land their ball on the green. This proven fundraising method can generate significant donations to support the cause.

Financially support

• Financial donations are some of the most effective ways to support in situations such as this as they can be used to purchase whatever is needed at the moment.
• Donate to reputable relief organizations that are actively providing aid to hurricane victims. Before you donate to an organization, make sure to check what percentage of your donation is going to the intended cause. If the organization has a low overhead cost and is transparent about the quantity and quality of their aid being provided, those are good signs to proceed in giving to that organization. 
• Here is a list of nonprofits that locals have shared are great options to donate to:

• Samaritan’s Purse

  • Samaritan’s Purse has been very active in providing disaster relief by clearing downed trees, mudding out homes, and using air and ground transportation to reach cut-off communities and deliver critically needed items.
  • Fun fact: Pirani Life, an AGM merchandiser member, partnered with Samaritan’s Purse to create a portable shower for hurricane victims during the immediate aftermath of the disaster.

• United Way

  • United Way has been instrumental in disaster relief, providing essential aid and working collaboratively with smaller nonprofits to maximize their impact.

• BeLoved Asheville

  • BeLoved Asheville is now dedicating all of their resources to those most affected by Hurricane Helene, providing food and clothing, as well as securing shelters.

• God’s Pitcrew

  • God’s Pitcrew has sent out trained teams to muck out homes, clean up debris, tarp roofs, cut and remove trees, and be present with victims in their loss. 

• Mercy Chefs

  • Mercy Chefs continues to provide up to 14,000 restaurant-quality meals daily in Newberry, Florida, and Asheville, North Carolina.

• Asheville Humane Society

  • The Asheville Humane Society has been a lifeline for lost pets in Buncombe County, providing shelter, care, and hope for reunification with their families. 

The images of devastation left by Hurricane Helene are heartbreaking. But amidst the destruction, there is much hope. By taking action, your golf shop can be part of the healing process, offering a lifeline to those in need. Your generosity, whether through donations, volunteer work, or community outreach, will help these communities rebuild and recover.

If you choose to donate or hold a fundraiser, we’d love to hear about it at info@agmgolf.org. Sharing your story inspires others to join the cause.

Let’s come together and provide support to those in need!

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