A large crowd gathered on the driving range of the Sanctuary Golf Club on Cat Island before playing the course last Thursday, April 26. These people weren’t practicing putting though, they were supporting Healing Heroes Golf Week and recognizing the efforts of one little boy who wanted to help those military
men and women who bravely fought to defend the freedoms that define the United States.
It was on the driving range that 8-year-old Jack Carter Worrell, flanked by wounded veterans and their caregivers, presented a check to The Independence Fund for $1,060.
Jack’s mother, Courtney Worrell, said she was surprised when he came to her two years ago and wanted to start a lemonade stand so he could raise money for the veterans who were injured while serving their country. She said it was entirely his idea, and she helped him build his stand. That first year the 6-year-old raised about $1,000 for the Lt. Dan Weekend in September 2010.
All last summer and early fall, Jack sold lemonade at various venues. He was waiting for this opportunity on the golf course to give his hard-earned money directly to the veterans he’s been working to support. The second-grader at Beaufort Academy already plans to increase sales for this year’s Lt. Dan Weekend 3 taking place September 9-15.
During the Healing Heroes Golf Week from April 23-27, 25 veterans and more than 300 golfers also played at Callawassie Island Club, Lady’s Island Country Club and Fripp Island’s Ocean Point Golf Links. Congratulations to Buddy Konecny and the Fripp Island team for winning at the Sanctuary.
Volunteer Dick Clarke said it was inspiring to see the vets on the course. This was the first time playing golf for Retired Marine Command Sgt. Major Jesse Acosta, who also happens to be blind. But Clarke said Acosta did well and enjoyed the chance to get out and hit.
The Independence Fund is an all-volunteer foundation dedicated to care for severely wounded veterans.
