Inaugural Charity Classic Raises $30,000!

Golfers helped raise $30,000 dollars this week during the first Balsam Mountain Preserve Charity Classic. Nearly 90 golfers participated in our inaugural tournament played on our immaculate Arnold Palmer Signature course. The daylong event, which also included a silent auction and reception, benefits four charitable organizations that serve residents of Jackson County.


"It was a great day and great event for us," said Chris Chaffin, President, Balsam Mountain Preserve. "Not only did the golfers get the opportunity to play our spectacular course, but they were able to support local charities and the really important work they do in our community. We are proud of the success we had with this event in its first year and look forward to doing it again next year."



The Community Table, which has been providing nutritious meals to Jackson County residents since 1999, is one of the four local charities to benefit from the tournament. "We are very grateful to Balsam Mountain Preserve, Jackson Paper, all the generous sponsors, and all the participants for making this wonderful event a success. It is only with the support of our caring neighbors that we are able to continue to meet the needs of our community," said Amy Grimes McClure, Executive Director, The Community Table.

Other charities supported by the golf tournament are:

-The Jackson Neighbors In Need Save the Warmth program, which provides assistance with heating, food and water costs.

-Hawthorn Heights, a safe haven home operated by Mountain Youth Resources for trouble juveniles.

-Jackson County Library, toward the construction of the new library in downtown Sylva.

Jackson Paper Manufacturing was the title sponsor of the tournament. "As a locally owned company, we are committed to our community and neighbors," said Jeff Murphy, CFO of Jackson Paper. "We're honored to support events like the Balsam Mountain Preserve Charity Classic and to lend a helping hand to our local charities."

All the participants truly enjoyed their experience at Balsam Mountain Preserve. Allen Comeaux of Asheville said, "You have a great golf course and I don't believe there was a blade of grass out of place. The food was great, service was excellent and the bagpipes on the range were priceless. Hopefully next year I am still around because I cannot wait to enjoy this event and golf course again."

Our initial goal was to raise $10,000-$13,000 for the local charities. In raising $30,000, we are elated about more than doubling our goal in the first year of the event! Plans are to make this an annual event to benefit local charities.

See you on the course!

Brian Chapman
Head Golf Professional