Inaugural Golf Tournament Raises Nearly $6K for IDS Programs

On Saturday, November 1st, IDS hosted our first major fundraiser presented by Landry, Lewis, Germany Architects, P.A. at Shadow Ridge Golf Club. We welcomed dozens of golfers, volunteers, and supporters to raise money for our programs that enhance the lives of Mississippians with disabilities and their families.

Guests were greeted with enthusiasm at the registration table where golfers received custom welcome bags stuffed with goodies like a cork-bottom travel mug, coupon for free Domino’s pizza, first aid kid, koozie, and more. A special blend of coffee, “Drive with Purpose” was roasted in-house by students in the EARN IT program just for the tournament and served alongside a variety of light breakfast pastries and snacks.

After golfers warmed up at the driving range, they were lined up in carts and sent off for a fun day on the green by Southern Miss Provost Dr. Lance Nail. IDS’s Self-Advocacy Coordinator Taylor Carley rounded the course on the beverage cart offering waters on-demand to golfers and supporters as the day warmed up.

Aside from completing 18 holes in 4-man scramble style, golfers also competed in on-course contests designed to test their skills even further. The longest drive and closest-to-the-hole contests with a $10 entry fee each helped raise hundreds of dollars for student-run programs at IDS.

When golfers finished their round, they were welcomed back to the clubhouse for lunch, a raffle, and – of course – awards! Staff at The Grille set up a buffet for the event featuring the best burgers in town, baked beans, potato salad, assorted chips, and scrumptious brownies. Before the best scoring teams and contest winners were announced, IDS Executive Director Dr. Jerry Alliston spoke to the crowd about who we are at IDS and what our programs offer the community. We handed out 9 raffle prizes donated by individuals and businesses in the Pine Belt. IDS’s very own Miss Rachael Barnes drew the winning tickets.

Shadow Ridge’s Head Pro Judd Brewer then took over the show to announce winners who were presented with plaques donated by Pine Belt Trophies. Drum roll, please…

Our winners!
1st Place – Gonsoulin, Hoffart, Peeler, Kirkland
2nd Place – Johnson, Haddox, Myrick, Bernat
3rd Place – Anderson, Rogers, Nobles, Kitsos

It was a beautiful day for great golf, great company, and a great cause! We are so thankful for the golfers who came out to enjoy the event, and all the sponsors who helped make it a fundraising success.

Special shout-out to Landry, Lewis, Germany Architects, P.A., Anderson Design Center, Londeree and Townsend, Hotel Indigo, Priority One Bank, Jess Robbins Shelter Insurance, Forrest General Hospital, Dossett GMC Cadillac, Inc., Domino’s, Heart of the South Custom Hats, Kevin and Dawn Lewis, and Frames & Panes, whose contributions to the tournament and our programs ensured a fantastic event.

We’re already looking forward to our 2nd Annual tournament in 2026. Stay tuned for more details!

To make a donation to the Institute for Disability Studies (IDS) online, visit The USM Foundation – Institute for Disability Studies Giving Fund. For more information on how you can support IDS, contact Amy James at 601-266-4435 or amyjames@usm.edu.