Second Chance Animal Services Raises More Than $29,000 at Golf Tournament

EAST BROOKFIELD — Second Chance Animal Services hosted a record-breaking 123 golfers at its 10th annual charity golf tournament last month at Cold Spring Country Club in Belchertown. Golfers were in great spirits despite the rain, and one lucky golfer made a hole in one to win $4,000 toward a pool or spa from Teddy Bear Pools & Spas of Chicopee. The fundraising event raised more than $29,000, which will benefit programs assisting the underserved at Second Chance’s veterinary hospitals.

The event’s organizers were thrilled by the show of support, not only by the golfers but also by all the community businesses who helped make the event possible. Second Chance founder and CEO Sheryl Blancato noted that “this is our largest golf tournament to date. We are so very grateful to our sponsors, including our putting green sponsor, Affordable Waste Solutions of Hampden.”

This year was the first time in the tournament’s history that a golfer scored a hole in one on the Teddy Bear Pools and Spas hole, Blancato said. “Teddy Bear Pools and Spas has sponsored the hole-in-one contest for many years and has been a long-time supporter of Second Chance.”

Ted Hebert, owner of Teddy Bear Pools & Spas, added that “we are overjoyed that there was a hole-in-one winner at the annual Second Chance golf tournament. The winner, Michael, has won $4,000 off the purchase of any pool or spa.” Hebert encouraged others to help pets by making a donation to Second Chance. “Be kind to our furry friends because they make all our lives better.”

Golfers enjoyed hot dogs, snacks, and a box lunch on the course in addition to beer tastings from local breweries. The day wrapped up back at the clubhouse, where a buffet meal was served while the fundraising auction and raffles closed and prizes were awarded for the challenges and top teams.

Blancato said the tournament’s success could not come at a better time. “The need is truly great right now. Our community veterinary hospitals in Springfield, Worcester, Southbridge, and North Brookfield are a lifeline for pets here in our community. We know that budgets are very tight right now. The subsidized rates we offer help keep pets out of shelters and with the people they love. We couldn’t do it without supporters like the tournament’s golfers and sponsors.”

Next year’s tournament returns to Cold Spring Country Club on Monday, July 24, 2023.