The Arc of Shelby County holds annual golf tournament

Published 4:26 pm Friday, May 9, 2025

By Dave Domescik

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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – The Arc of Shelby County hosted a golf tournament raising money for their organization at Ballantrae Golf Club on Thursday, May 1.

The 17th Annual Swinging Fore Achievement Golf Tournament brought dozens out to the links to support a great cause, with all proceeds from the event directly benefiting the Arc.

Carole Lyons, the director of development and community relations for The Arc of Shelby County, outlined the history of the event.

“Many years ago, the board of directors and the directors (of the Arc) chose to do a golf fundraiser,” Lyons said. “It took a few years to get it going, and after a successful tournament, the Swinging Fore Achievement (Golf Tournament) was established and became an annual event. We have enjoyed hosting the event at Shelby County golf courses for many years.”

Lyons said that money raised from this year’s golf tournament went back into the programs and services that the Arc provides to individuals with intellectual disabilities and delays.

“This is our largest fundraiser each year, and we hope to continue to grow this event and make it larger next year with more golfers,” Lyons said.

According to Lyons, 112 golfers participated in this year’s tournament, with a team representing ServPro winning first place.

“The atmosphere at Ballantrae Golf Club on Thursday was nothing short of exciting, filled with energy, camaraderie and community spirit,” Lyons said. “It turned out to be perfect spring weather. Golfers from across Shelby County and beyond came together not only to enjoy a day on the course but to support a meaningful cause. Friendly competition kept spirits high as golfers teed off in support of individuals with developmental disabilities and delays.”

Volunteers at the event included The Arc of Shelby County’s staff, board members, friends in the community and New Visions Day Program participants.

“Whether it was longtime supporters or first-time participants, everyone felt the impact of the organization’s mission—and the joy of being part of something bigger than the game,” Lyons said.

Lyons then outlined the mission of The Arc of Shelby County, which is the backbone of every fundraiser they put on.

“The mission of The Arc of Shelby County is through advocacy, coaching and support, we empower individuals with developmental disabilities and delays and their families to achieve their goals,” Lyons said. “We work to ensure that people with IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities) are fully included in all aspects of community life—early intervention, education, employment and social participation.”

Lyons further described how the Arc’s annual golf tournament plays a vital role in advancing this mission.

“It serves as both a fundraiser and an awareness event, bringing together community members, businesses and supporters to invest in programs that directly benefit individuals with IDD,” Lyons said. “Funds raised help sustain and expand critical services such as early intervention, job coaching, transition support for students, community services and to support our day program in Calera, New Visions. Beyond the financial support, the event also fosters inclusion by educating the golfers about our work and the individuals we serve, strengthening community connections.”

The following entities served as the top sponsors at the Swinging Fore Achievement Golf Tournament:

 

  • Alabama Water Utilities
  • SprayRoq
  • Edward Jones—Jeff Foose
  • Born Inspections & Consulting
  • Publix Super Market Charities
  • AmFirst Credit Union

Lyons also detailed a new sponsorship opportunity for those interested in supporting The Arc of Shelby County.

“This year we started a sponsorship called Friends & Family of the Arc,” Lyons said. “These sponsors were family members, businesses or someone in the community who purchased a sign to spotlight someone we serve through our programs and services. We displayed these signs throughout the course so our golfers would see who they were golfing for and who received our services through our programs. We will continue offering this sponsorship level through August, and hope to display at our Pickleball for All—The Arc of Shelby County Challenge on June 22 at Magic City Indoor Pickleball Club in Homewood, and at our Tailgate Bash and Silent Auction on Aug. 23 at The Beer Hog in Pelham.”

Lyons concluded by outlining how people can get involved with or support The Arc of Shelby County moving forward.

“There are so many meaningful ways people can get involved with or support The Arc of Shelby County,” Lyons said. “Whether it’s volunteering your time, making a financial contribution or simply spreading awareness about our mission, every action helps us create a more inclusive community for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We’re always looking for volunteers to assist with events, support our programs or share their professional expertise. Community members can also support us by attending our fundraisers, like the annual golf tournament, our pickleball challenge and our Tailgate Bash and Silent Auction or by becoming donors to help sustain our services year-round. We invite anyone interested to visit our website, follow us on social media or reach out directly to learn more about how they can be part of the Arc family.”

For more information on The Arc of Shelby County, visit Thearcofshelby.org.

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