Second Annual Golf Tournament Was a Success-Thank You!

By Meg Partington

Hedgesville, WV—The second annual Links of Love Golf Tournament on April 27 drove in more than twice as much money for Mary’s Refuge than the inaugural event.

A total of 83 golfers on 21 teams played the Mountain View course at The Woods, raising $19,200 for the Martinsburg maternity home’s fatherhood program. The 2025 event raised a
little more than $7,000.

Executive Director Allison Ferrell said the program on which the funds will be spent will provide mentorship, parenting education, job-readiness training and practical life skills.

“Through coaching and accountability, fathers will learn how to support their children
emotionally, financially and spiritually,” Ferrell said. “The goal is not simply participation, but real transformation and helping men grow into dependable parents and positive role models.”

Ferrell organized the tournament with the help of Deacon Patrick Michel from St. Joseph Parish, Mike Arndt, Ed Wilson, Kelly Bolvin, Dave Martin and Mel Bowers. Fifteen volunteers were on hand to make sure everything ran smoothly.

Placing first in the tournament was the team of Corey Hicks, Allen Kees, Ryan Hayslette and
Eric Blosser. They won large coolers and the chance to play in The Woods Tournament of Champions in October, an event for the winners of benefit golf tournaments held there.

Second-place finishers were Roger Shallis, Phil Fernow, Monty Hicks and Elmer Merceruio. Their prizes were four movie tickets and popcorn from Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, as well as folding chairs.

Coming in third were Nate Stevens, Isaac Brown, Tim McClung and Josh Jordan. They were awarded small coolers and gift cards to Alfredo’s.

The golf outing included the chance for participants to pay $10 each for Owen Elliot, a former Shepherd University standout who won the 106th West Virginia Amateur Championship at The Greenbrier in 2025, to take their shot on hole 14 to help their team achieve the best score; a silent auction for the chance to have the Rev. Thomas Gallagher, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Martinsburg, play three holes with them; to pay $10 each on hole seven to avoid having to drive their ball while sitting in a chair; competitions to see who could hit balls inside hula hoops on hole 18 and who could chip a ball closest to the pin on the putting green; as well as a 50/50 raffle and door prizes.

Ferrell said a golf tournament is a way to reach a broader audience and connect with a different donor base than traditional fundraising events.

“It also provides an opportunity to increase awareness of Mary’s Refuge and share our mission with individuals who may not yet be familiar with our work,” she said. “This year, we expanded to add other church denominations and more people in the community. Even at The Woods, there were conversations from the residents that live throughout the golf course asking about Mary’s Refuge and what we were raising money for.”

Dot Foods was the presenting sponsor for its $5,000 donation. Other supporters who provided funds and/or goods were Martin Distributing Co. Inc’s golf team; Varsity Travel; Airborne Church; Jean Ridley; Michel; Brad Snowden Law; Shepherdstown Day Care Center LLC; Knights of Columbus from Saint James the Greater Catholic Church in Charles Town; Priest Field Pastoral Center; Spring Mills Pharmacy; Randy Rachor, a CPA with Albright Crumbacker Moul & Itell; Hau Ink; and Chick-fil-A.

Those who want to support Mary’s Refuge, whose mission is to provide a safe and stable environment for young mothers and mothers-to-be, can always pray for the mothers and
children, Ferrell said. If they want to be more hands-on, they can sign up to volunteer, purchase items from the refuge’s wish list or make a donation.

For more information, call 304-350-1632; email life@marysrefuge.com; or go to marysrefuge.com.