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Pierson DeHart Memorial Golf Scramble continues to grow
Each year, typically on the last Saturday of July, dozens of people from around the Clay County area spend their afternoons at Forest Park Golf Course to participate in the annual Pierson DeHart Memorial Golf Scramble.
The event, which continues to grow in size and had around 20 teams competing Saturday to go along with the most sponsors in its 12-year existence according to Chris DeHart, was played on the 15th birthday of Pierson DeHart, making the day even more special.
As Chris DeHart pointed out, the weather couldn’t have been any better with the sun shining and temperatures hovering around the mid to upper 70s throughout the day.
Following the lunch that was provided to the participants, Chris and Melissa DeHart, as well as Troy Farris, rounded everyone up to give their thanks from atop the Forest Park clubhouse steps.
“We all know why we’re here today and it happens to be somebody’s birthday today,” said Farris to the crowd listening intently below. “Fifteen years ago, that little angel was born and today is his birthday. Me and some of my friends got together to start something for him and this family back behind me has taken that – and I’ve said this every year, and I mean it with my entire heart – and ran with it. Look at the families they’ve helped that needed help, so thank each and every one of you for being here today. Thank you guys for being here.”
Farris turned it over to the DeHarts. Both Chris and Melissa thanked all of those who chose to spend their day at the golf course for helping to grow the event which raises money for families in need of medical assistance for their children.
“I just want to say thank you,” said Melissa DeHart. “We’re honoring Annie and Ellie Thompson today who are here along with their parents and their big brother, who is a very proud big brother. I know they are so thankful for this. They just got back from St. Louis yesterday. It was a trip for the girls and they got some good news. They’ll be making lots of trips back and forth, so anything that is raised will help them get the care that they need for these two sweet girls.”
“This isn’t possible without you guys and all of your help. This does not happen unless I see your faces out there. I’m really, truly grateful,” said Chris DeHart. “This is our 12th year doing it and it’s growing and growing and growing, and that’s all because of you guys. The sponsors are growing and growing and growing, and that’s all because you guys, so we can’t thank you enough for that. For these families, you don’t know just how much you’re helping out. It’s so awesome. I’m so proud to be a part of this community.”
A prayer concluded the ceremonies and the golfers then hopped inside their carts and sped off to their assigned holes to begin their rounds.
All of the proceeds went to Annie and Ellie Thompson, three-year-old twin daughters of Ryan and Abby Thompson. Last fall, they were diagnosed with Rett Syndrome which is a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder that effects the way the brain develops, causing progressive loss of motor skills and speech.