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September 22, 2022
Saving Shelter Strays hosts fundraising golf tournament
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
The 10th annual Saving Shelter Strays Golf Fundraiser is set for October, and this year it has a special dedication.
Twelve years ago, the fundraising effort was conceived by Chris Wilsden, who organized the Mulberry’s Classic Golf Tournament in 2010 for the City of Bandera animal shelter. That event launched with six teams, and raised $600 to help care for abandoned and unwanted animals.
A couple of years later, the non-profit Saving Shelter Strays, Inc. was born, and the golf tournament evolved into a growing annual event. Last year’s tournament had 20 teams participating, and together with an after-party and public auction, more than $13,000 was raised. Sandra Schott, Bandera County’s Animal Control liaison, said all of the proceeds supported homeless dogs and cats in Bandera City and County, as well as Kerr and Kendall Counties.
“Sadly Chris Wilsden, the founder and workhorse of this event, passed away earlier this year. We are dedicating this event to Chris and are super lucky to have his wife, Stephanie Wilsden, find the time to help with so many of the details involved,” Schott said.
This year’s tournament will be held Monday, Oct. 10, at the Riverhill Country Club in Kerrville. Eighteen teams and 72 golf participants will tee off at 1 p.m., following a putting contest at noon. A celebratory meal and cash bar will be held after.
In November, a “Party for the Puppies” will be hosted at the Bandera Brewery, during which live music and live/silent auctions will be featured. All of the funds will go toward the relocation of impounded dogs and cats in Hill Country shelters to rescue partners and forever homes.
For more information, please contact Schott at 858-361-4684, or email savingshelterstrays@gmail.com.
Twelve years ago, the fundraising effort was conceived by Chris Wilsden, who organized the Mulberry’s Classic Golf Tournament in 2010 for the City of Bandera animal shelter. That event launched with six teams, and raised $600 to help care for abandoned and unwanted animals.
A couple of years later, the non-profit Saving Shelter Strays, Inc. was born, and the golf tournament evolved into a growing annual event. Last year’s tournament had 20 teams participating, and together with an after-party and public auction, more than $13,000 was raised. Sandra Schott, Bandera County’s Animal Control liaison, said all of the proceeds supported homeless dogs and cats in Bandera City and County, as well as Kerr and Kendall Counties.
“Sadly Chris Wilsden, the founder and workhorse of this event, passed away earlier this year. We are dedicating this event to Chris and are super lucky to have his wife, Stephanie Wilsden, find the time to help with so many of the details involved,” Schott said.
This year’s tournament will be held Monday, Oct. 10, at the Riverhill Country Club in Kerrville. Eighteen teams and 72 golf participants will tee off at 1 p.m., following a putting contest at noon. A celebratory meal and cash bar will be held after.
In November, a “Party for the Puppies” will be hosted at the Bandera Brewery, during which live music and live/silent auctions will be featured. All of the funds will go toward the relocation of impounded dogs and cats in Hill Country shelters to rescue partners and forever homes.
For more information, please contact Schott at 858-361-4684, or email savingshelterstrays@gmail.com.