SALISBURY — For the last few years, the Sunday Afternoon Regulars at Corbin Hills Golf Club held their annual golf tournament with funds raised to benefit the Christmas Happiness Fund.

Usually there are 20 regulars that gather at the golf club, located at 431 Wildwood Dr., Salisbury, to enjoy the camaraderie, said one of the participants. They are longtime friends and most are longtime members of Corbin Hills.

In addition to the fellowship, he said they gather with the “realization that we’ve been very fortunate in our lives” wanting to help children have a good Christmas. Plus, he said they “feel fortunate to live where they live and have the community they have.”

Organizers of the tournament try to hold the event in early December; however, it depends on what is going on with the weather. This year’s event was held Dec. 8 and the players had a perfect day as far as the weather was concerned, a participant said.

Close to 32 players participated in this year’s event, which was played using a unique format called a Texas Scramble, it was noted, meaning that teams of four hit their tee shots and the best of the four positions is selected for their next shot.

Winners were awarded prizes contributed from the local golf community.

When individuals register to participate in the tournament, it is specified that each has to make a minimum donation of $10. Most give much more than that amount, but everybody gives at least $10. And then, he added, Corbin Hills “has graciously matched what we raise, they match that fund,” which is then donated to help others through the Happiness Fund.

“We specifically hold the tournament under the flagship of the Happiness Fund,” he said, adding that one of the tournament regulars is the grandson of a former Salisbury Post editor, Spencer Murphy, who initially started the Happiness Fund.

As for why this group decided to offer a tournament to support the fund, one of the golf regulars said, “I think the majority of our golfers believe that charity starts at home. You can’t get much closer to home than the Salisbury Post. And again, every child should have a gift at Christmas.”

With the 2024 tournament passed and the funds given, the Sunday Afternoon Regulars at Corbin Hills Golf Club will be concentrating on next year, coordinating a date so they can continue their tradition of giving to the fund. 

Donations can be dropped off at the Salisbury Post’s office at 131 W. Innes Street or by mail at Christmas Happiness Fund ℅ Salisbury Post, P.O. Box 4639 Salisbury, NC 28145. Cash and checks are accepted, but the Salisbury Post cannot accept credit or debit card donations.

The current running total is $22,223.

Recent contributions include:

• The Tuesday Lunch Bunch — $100

• Brown Bag Readers Bookclub — $260

• In memory of friends Carroll Owen and Wayne Kenerly and friend and neighbor Homer Kattner, by Arnold and Jean — $300

• Anonymous — $20

• In memory of present and past members of Crown In Glory Lutheran Church — $250

• In memory of the 4D’s, by Dorthy H. Sims — $100

• In loving memory of Judy Goodman and David Goodman, by Sanders Goodman — $500

• In memory of Ida Mae Whitney Kluttz, by Sarah Holshouser — $100

• In memory of Norman Holshouser, by Sarah Holshouser — $100

• In memory of Lloyd and Nellie Safrit, by Calvin Safrit — $500

• In memory of my wonderful wife Karen Wilkerson, “I miss you,” by James Wilkerson — $25

• Canterbury Book Club — $100

• In memory of JP and Sally Helms and Libby Helms Hoffmire, by Vicki and Charles Butler — $500

• In honor of the providers and staff at Salisbury Pediatric Associates, by Mark and Jennie Lins — $500

• In loving memory of Susie and Tom Thurston and Dick Thurston and in honor of our 97-year-old aunt, Geit Johnson, by Susan and Joe Sember — $200

• In memory of Robert Reid, by Vickie Reid — $100

• Anonymous — $100