These days, 16-year-old Anthony is a high school baseball pitcher hoping college coaches or even big-league scouts take notice of his fastball, curveball and change-up.
And that, in itself, is quite a turnaround from just a few years ago. You see, Anthony experienced frustrations in his early teen years before, fortunately, finding his footing thanks to the Whetstone Boys Ranch.
Which is one of the many reasons why the PGA Web.com Tour’s Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper is proud to have the Mountain View-based therapeutic boarding school on board this year.
“It was a safe place,” Anthony said, “to get your hurt out. Ever since I came home – and nobody is perfect and I can still make mistakes – I know how to deal with my anger.”
Whetstone is among 46 Ozarks children’s charities which will benefit from this year’s Price Cutter tournament, which in its 27-year history has gifted almost $14 million – including more than $905,000 last year alone.
There at Whetstone, Anthony learned how to build things with his hands. In fact, he was among about five boys who helped the organization get back on its feet following a devastating tornado.
And thanks to the ranch, reclaimed wood from damaged barns was turned into beautiful cabinetry, which will be part of the Golf Ball & Charity Auction presented by Copy Products, Inc., and the University Plaza Convention Center on Aug. 8 at UP.
“That kind of work was new to me, but fun to learn,” Anthony said. “It’s something I can use later in life.”
About Whetstone Boys Ranch
Whetstone’s mission is to “sharpen the character of young men by modeling the life of Christ, mentoring them through authentic relationships, imparting the love of creation and teaching the joy of work, thus equipping them to be servant-leaders in their families and community.”
Whetstone serves families with boys ages 11 to 15 who are struggling with addiction, anger, apathy, depression, relationship, trauma, truancy and/or self-esteem, among a variety of other things. The ranch is not staffed to treat severe addiction or mental psychosis, but many of the boys served at Whetstone have been diagnosed with attention deficit, hyperactivity, oppositional defiance and reactive attachment.
In joining the 28th PCCC this year, Whetstone isn’t holding back. Many of the boys will be staffing the tournament’s Honoring Heroes tent on the 18th green. That’s part of the PCCC’s Honoring Heroes program, in which military, current military, law enforcement, first responders and their families will be admitted free and receive free food and drinks, plus a prime seat in a covered tent to watch future PGA tour standouts.
“We thought it would be a neat experience for our boys while broadening our exposure at the same time,” said Brandon Maxwell, Director of Development for Whetstone Boys Ranch. “And just knowing there are 45 other charities involved, it is a good way to network with other non-profits.”
HELP WHETSTONE BOYS RANCH
To assist the Mountain View-based Whetstone Boys Ranch, call 934-1112.
SUPPORT OZARKS CHILDREN’S CHARITIES
CORPORATE SKYBOXES on the 9th and 18th greens, and tents on the 18th fairway
These include covered seating and all-inclusive badges into the Jackson Brothers of the South VIP Tent (food and beverages).
PRO-AMS: Play with a pro & enjoy top courses such as Highland Springs, Buffalo Ridge Golf Course, LedgeStone Country Club, Millwood Golf & Racquet Club & Fremont Hills Country Club. Includes a great golfer gift package, continental breakfast, lunch, on-course beverages, team photos & trophies. Check out our list of golf experiences
ON-COURSE SPONSORSHIPS
Bleachers, water coolers and much more can help generate interest in your business, and will go a long way toward helping kids in the Ozarks. See our full menu of options.
HONORING OUR HEROES PROGRAM
A great way to support military, law enforcement and first responders as well Ozarks children’s charities — as they receive free admission as well as food and drinks thanks to your sponsorships. Follow this link
$25 TLC PROPERTIES SWEEPSTAKES TICKETS
They are only $25 each, and gives the ticket-buyer a chance to win a 2017 Ford F-150, or $10,000, plus daily prizes during the tournament. Check out the details here.
GOLF BALL & CHARITY AUCTION
Sponsored by Copy Products Inc. and University Plaza, this event is on Tuesday, August 8 at University Plaza Convention Center. We’ll also have electronic bidding at bidpal.net! Register at this link.
THE ULTIMATE presented by Custom Metalcraft & Ridewell Suspensions
Win a 2017 Corvette Stingray, as a $1,200 buy-in guarantees a 1-in-100 chance of winning the car and a 1-in-10 chance of winning $1,000. You’ll also receive many other perks, including air-conditioned seating on the 18th green during the PCCC along with clubhouse parking, a luxurious dinner on Friday, August 4 at Highland Springs Country Club as well as breakfast and lunch in the clubhouse daily during the PCCC, plus his and her shirts.
FOR ANY SPONSORSHIP, CALL 417-887-3400