Thursday, November 17, 2011 8:02 am

WOODBURY – About $14,000 was raised at the “Turkey Tee Off” golf tournament on Saturday at Cedar Crest Golf Course to benefit the Child Advocacy Centers in Cannon and Rutherford Counties. 

Golfers earned $1,000 of prize winnings awarded to the top four teams.  Cash prizes and many of the door prizes were donated by Steven Smith.

Child abuse affects a significant number of children in the community.  In the last 11 years, the Child Protective Investigative Team, which consists of the Child Advocacy Center, the Department of Children’s Services, law enforcement, and the District Attorney’s Office, have worked together to investigate and prosecute over 7,000 child abuse, child sexual abuse, and drug endangered children cases in Rutherford and Cannon Counties.

Golf tournament hosts Phillip and Steven Smith and Smith’s Painting announced the “Turkey Tee Off” Prizes winners.  The first place team winning $400 with a score of 55 was Sean Shockey, Chad Carter, Nathan Helms, and John Matthews.  The second place team winning $300 and scoring 56 was the Cedar Crest Employees Team.  The third place team winning $200 with a score of 56 was Bob Woodard’s Team.  The fourth place team winning $100 with a score of 57 was Scott Zelenak and the Maple Street Grill Team. 

There were many other prize winners. The following were winners:

Winning the “Closest to the Pin” on Hole3 was Keith Harrietha. 

Winning the “Longest Drive” on Hole 5 was John Matthews. 

Winning the “Closest to the Pin” on Hole 7 was Keith Harrietha. 

Winning the “Closest to the Water” on Hole 9 was Sean Shockey.    

Winning the “Closest to the Pin” on Hole 14 was Robert Marino. 

Winning the “Closest to the Pin” on Hole 17 was Cary Kendal.

There were two prizes for the best dressed golfers.  First place went to Kim Armstrong and Mo Brown for the “Best Dressed Couple.”  Second place went to Walter White for the “Best Dressed Golfer.”

The winner of the 50-50 tickets drawing was Scott Zelenak and Maple Street Grill.  The Child Advocacy Center thanks Scott Zelenak and Maple Street Grill for donating their winnings back to the Child Advocacy Center as the fourth place team and as the 50-50 tickets winner.

Executive Director Sharon De Boer, said, “During this Thanksgiving season, the Child Advocacy Center is very grateful to Phillip and Steven Smith, Smith’s Painting, Bridgestone, Wal-Mart, Junior League, the ‘Turkey Tee Off’ volunteers, and the many sponsors and golfers for sponsoring this event supporting the Child Advocacy Center and the abused children and families we serve.”

“We want to thank everyone for making the 2011 Turkey Tee Off a huge Success,” said Phillip Smith, “It was a great day of golfing fun. We are looking forward to seeing you all next year.”

Volunteers who would like to help organize the “2012 Turkey Tee Off” should contact the Child Advocacy Center at 867-9000.