Highland Springs Country Club welcomes some of the best golfers in the world this week for the Price Cutter Charity Championship.
Behind the long drives and the made putts, are a group of charities that benefit from the event.
“We have the unique position to be one of just over 50 charities that are supported by the Price Cutter Charity Championship. However, we are the only non-children’s charity,” Honor Flight of the Ozarks board member Hayden Harrison said.
Honor Flight of the Ozarks flies veterans to Washington D.C. for a day to experience national monuments and memorials. However, even as a chosen charity the Honor Flight sees the PCCC as more of an opportunity.
“It’s less about fundraising for us, it’s more about participating in the Charity Championship as a whole,” said Harrison.
Ellen Duvall is one of more than 40 volunteers for the organization. She’s also a Vietnam War veteran and has been on an honor flight.
“It’s very refreshing to be with people who understand where you’ve been, what you’ve done, and that you’re not alone,” Duvall said.
That not alone mindset is something Duvall takes with her as she greets veterans at the PCCC.
“I’m pleased to convey to them that they are appreciated, even though this is not what they came here for. They came here for golf, they came here to watch them play, they came here to cheer on their favorite golfers too and then to say ‘hey, your veteran status is important here too. You did things and that’s why we have the freedom and ability to have these kinds of events,’” said Duvall.
However, it’s not just veterans helping veterans.
“Just wanting to do my part since I wasn’t a veteran. Being involved in Honor Flight and not necessarily serving, but serving the veterans that served us,” volunteer Shawn Moore said.
Moore’s dad served in the Vietnam War. Moore also has a love for golf. This week, he’s combining his two passions.
“I look forward to this week every year, with my interest in Honor Flight and my interest with golf,” said Moore.
Honor Flight of the Ozarks will use the money donated by the PCCC to help fund three flights they take each year.
