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Blue Sky Acres scores big with tournament
Blue Sky Acres
Pictured are the staff and board members of Blue Sky Acres (BSA), which employs three people with disabilities through a supported employment program. It partners with B & B Care Services in Springfield. - photo by photo submitted
Mattthew Redhead
The Advanced Door Systems team of shared a golf swing with Matthew Redhead. Matthew had been observing other golfers and knew how to hold his hands. He hit the ball hard on the first swing. - photo by Submitted report

Blue Sky Acres held its first charity golf tournament fundraiser at Pooler’s Crosswinds Golf Club on April 22, raising more than $71,000 after expenses.

This tournament was sponsored by ACC Construction Company and the Georgia Ports Authority, under the direction of Steve Taylor, (ACC) and Chris Driggers, (GPA). Thirty-three teams participated in the event, sponsored by their companies.

Proceeds from the tournament will go toward Blue Sky Acres’ capital campaign to purchase and build its permanent home. Currently, the center is located at the home of Tina Bragg in Guyton, using her five acres and four horses.

Blue Sky Acres received several monetary donations and goods from local and surrounding county businesses. Edwards Interior, located in Rincon, donated all the tee signs and banners for the tournament.

During the event, Blue Sky Acres’ staff member Matthew Redhead drove a golf cart around the course, taking beverages to the players, with assistance from Karen Signal, his job coach. Matthew has Down Syndrome and, though he sometimes struggles to communicate, he had no trouble pointing to himself several times that day saying, “Happy!” Some of the players even let him hit a golf ball! 

Matthew is employed by Blue Sky Acres and was taught how to use the farm vehicle on the property as part of his job duties.

To wrap up the event, a delicious catered dinner was provided by Crosswinds Golf Club and Executive Director Hallie Myers gave an overview of BSA’s programs, and celebrated the success of the nonprofit’s first fundraiser.

The Industrial Company (TIC) sponsored the team that won first place in the tournament. Second place was won by RBL Supply Chain Consulting team and Vos Electric Company team came in third place.

The event itself brought in $41,100 and the center received an anonymous donation of $30,000 on the evening of the event. 

Myers said, “We are so thankful to each and every company and individual who participated in making this day a success and we look forward to our second annual tournament next year!”

Blue Sky Acres is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that serves individuals with disabilities, provides supported employment opportunities for young adults with disabilities and mentoring for foster children. Through partnership with horses, relationships and Christian Principles, they provide an environment for those who have been through challenges to experience growth and healing. The nonprofit, located in Guyton, Ga has served 20 children and young adults since they opened their doors in 2021 and has completed over 150 one-on-one sessions in addition to employing three staff members with disabilities. If you are interested in learning more, visit https://blueskyacres.org.