Golf Ball Drop
1,000 Golf Balls Fall From The Sky In UK-First Fundraising Event for North Devon Hospice
1,000 Golf Balls Fall From The Sky In UK-First Fundraising Event for North Devon Hospice
1,000 Golf Balls Fall From The Sky In UK-First Fundraising Event
One lucky North Devon resident won £1,000 in an audacious new fundraising event for North Devon Hospice. The Helicopter Golf Ball Drop - sponsored by Seldons Solicitors – took place for the first time ever in the UK on the famous west course of Saunton Golf Club.
In a raffle with a real twist, 1,000 golf balls had been purchased by members of the public, with all proceeds going to the hospice. The balls were then carried by a helicopter, swooping over the 18th green, before being dropped en masse and plunging towards the hole. The winning ball which landed in the hole belonged to Tony from Barnstaple, scoring him the £1,000 top prize.
Lisa Mackenzie, events manager at North Devon Hospice, said it was an amazing spectacle. “This was a wacky idea we had some months ago, and we always believed it would work, but we were still nervous when the time came! To see that helicopter swoop over the green and perfectly drop the golf balls towards the hole was incredibly special. Everyone who was there will remember it for a long time. We’re really glad that the uniqueness of this idea caught the public’s imagination. Thanks go to everyone who bought a golf ball as it’s helped to raise over £8,000.”
She added, “Every pound will help local people who are facing a life-limiting illness like cancer and rely on the support of the hospice. We are seeing a huge rise in demand for our care right now, coupled with quite a dramatic drop in donations to the charity, as everyone in our community feels the squeeze. But if the hospice is to care for everyone who needs us right now, we will rely on the fantastic people of North Devon to step up to the challenge, just like they have done by supporting the Helicopter Golf Ball drop.”
Francesca Tomalin from Seldons Solicitors said. “It was a pleasure to sponsor the Helicopter Golf Ball Drop because it’s such a unique idea. We are so thrilled that it was such a success. Everyone was so excited to see the helicopter fly by, and there was a huge cheer when the golf balls were released and one actually landed in the hole! Most importantly, we’re pleased to have helped raise vital funds for a cause which is close to all our hearts here at Seldons. North Devon Hospice are there for us all when we really need it. When someone we love is facing a life-limiting illness like cancer, as a community we can be grateful for their care and support.”
Lisa added, “We want to extend our thanks to everyone who made this really special occasion possible. Seldons were so supportive as our headline sponsor, and the team at Saunton Golf Club went above and beyond as hosts. Hats off to our pilot Andrew from AH Helicopters, and we’re also grateful to Titleist for kindly providing 1,000 balls for the day. But most of all, thanks to each person in the community who bought a golf ball for this event. Your contribution will make a real difference, helping the hospice care for someone local in their hour of need.”