Month: June 2025

Community, Competition, and a Cause: CORE’s 2025 Golf Tournament

Golf may have been the game, but recovery was the reason. On May 13th, CORE’s Annual Golf Tournament welcomed players and many supporters to award winning Thousand Hills Golf Resort in support of a mission that transforms lives every day. The day was not only perfect but also a powerful reminder of what happens when fun meets purpose.

The event brought together community leaders, alumni, friends, and local businesses, all united by a shared belief in CORE’s mission: to help men and women break free from addiction and rebuild meaningful, productive lives. The atmosphere was full of energy, encouragement, and genuine fellowship.

Thousand Hills is a golf course like no other in the Ozarks. Standing in this scenic venue enveloped by nature made us forget that we were within walking distance of the Branson 76 Strip and Lake Taneycomo. The morning mist evoked images of the Old Course at St. Andrews. As the mist lifted just before tee time, golfers were greeted by sunny skies, perfectly kept fairways and greens, sparkling lakes and streams—and even a few fuzzy critters who emerged to watch the action.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to Kyler Patterson and the outstanding staff at Thousand Hills for making this breathtaking venue available and ensuring the tournament’s success. We are also especially grateful to our presenting sponsor, Ozarks Dynacom, which expertly promoted the event and helped us reach a wide audience throughout the Tri-Lakes region. Our sincere gratitude also goes out to Image Works, Inc., which effectively marketed the tournament online and in print. 

One hundred golfers took to the greens in a four-person scramble, competing for cash prizes ranging from $400 to $1,200. The day’s contests included longest drive, longest putt, and closest-to-the-pin. Pinegar Chevrolet provided the hole-in-one prize on a very challenging Hole #10. While the mega prize went unclaimed, golfer Matt Dabb expertly dropped his drive within barely more than two feet of the pin!

This year’s winners:

Championship Flight

Blake Steele Team
Jake Bettlach Team
Capital Vacations Team

A Flight

Pink Jeep Tours Team
Wilson & Co. Barbershop Team
Jay Scribner Team

Individual Contests

Joe Allen – Closest to the Pin
Chris Boedefeld – Longest Drive
Bryan Taylor – Longest Putt

The prizes and contests added a competitive spark, while on-course refreshments and a cigar cart provided by Embers Cigar Lounge kept enthusiasm strong.

But beyond the scorecards and trophies, what made the day special was the shared sense of purpose. CORE CEO Cary McKee made an appearance to thank the participants and catch up with old friends. Several teams included CORE graduates—living proof of the impact that support, structure, and second chances can have. Between holes and over a gourmet lunch provided by Gather & Graze, stories were exchanged about recovery journeys, personal milestones, and the role CORE has played in restoring lives and families.

The tournament also raised critical funds to support CORE’s residential recovery program. We offer heartfelt thanks to everyone who made the event possible: our sponsors, golfers, Second Mile volunteers, and staff. Your support means everything to the men and women we serve.

If you missed this year’s tournament, don’t worry—planning for next year has already begun. We can’t wait to see you on the green on Tuesday, May 12, 2026!

A Night to Remember: CORE’s 2025 Auction Smashes Fundraising Records!

On May 15th, CORE’s Branson auditorium was transformed into a place of excitement, gratitude, and record-breaking generosity. It wasn’t just the items on the table—it was the heart in the room. CORE’s annual dinner auction shattered all previous fundraising records thanks to an outpouring of generosity from individuals who believe in our mission. Our guests weren’t just donors—they are friends, allies, and champions of recovery. Every paddle raised was a vote of confidence in CORE’s work to help newcomers find recovery, purpose, and productivity.

The real stars of the evening were our friends who attended—not just to give, but to stand with us. It was an unforgettable evening of food, fun, fellowship—and unwavering support for our mission to help men and women find lasting recovery. From the very beginning, the buzz was palpable. Dinner tables filled quickly, and before the first bite of roast pork or chicken was served, it was clear we were witnessing something special.

We owe much of this year’s incredible turnout to our presenter, Ozarks Dynacom, whose family of radio stations masterfully promoted the event across the Tri-Lakes region. Special thanks also go to Image Works, Inc., which designed and distributed beautiful advertisements across web, print, and digital platforms.

This event would not have been possible without our generous sponsors—all of whom share our heart for individuals in need and take joy in helping them succeed. We’re also grateful to the more than 100 businesses and artisans who contributed items for our live and silent auctions. You’re the best!

As always, CORE’s culinary team of Christos Papanikas and Adam Yorty, along with their Second Mile kitchen staff, delivered a meal to remember: tender roast pork and chicken with traditional sides, followed by decadent desserts. It wasn’t just dinner—it was a gathering of friends, families, and CORE alumni celebrating what this program does for our community.

Special thanks also go out to our HR Manager, Tami McKinney, who planned this occasion down to the last second—literally! In fact, shortly before the auction, Tami emerged from her top-secret special events bunker as if awakened from a dream, holding in her hands a written plan so intricate and precise that, according to rumor, it is envied by the SpaceX engineers who calibrate instruments on space rockets.  Accordingly, the whole evening went off without a hitch.  

Silent Auction & Raffle Excitement

A wide array of silent auction items drew steady interest as guests arrived. Everything from valuable gift baskets to resort packages and sporting goods sparked competitive bids and showcased the generosity of local businesses and artisans. Meanwhile, the 50/50 raffle brought an extra dose of anticipation, selling thousands of dollars’ worth of tickets and culminating in a high-energy drawing that had the whole room leaning in. The winner was none other than a very happy mother of three, Krista Moss!

Another Raffle Thrill

After the 50/50 raffle, CEO Cary McKee announced another exciting opportunity—a drawing for a “President” firearm manufactured by none other than Nighthawk Custom. Known for producing elite firearms prized by collectors and enthusiasts, Nighthawk sent company representative and shooting grandmaster Austin Chamberlain to showcase the stunning firearm. You could have heard a pin drop as he described its features to the captivated audience.

Raffle tickets, which are $100, are now available on CORE’s webpage up to the next charity auction on May 14, 2026, when the winner will be drawn!

A Live Auction Full of Surprises

The evening reached its crescendo during the live auction, presided over by auctioneers Duane and Kay Gerken! From pies and cakes that launched bidding wars, to competition for one-of-a-kind treasures, the crowd was simply electric. Even the final item—a Buc-ee’s Bucket filled with jerky, chips, and popcorn—sold for an unbelievable $875! It was just one of many moments that showcased the lighthearted generosity of the evening, which raised a whopping $65,000 in support of CORE’s residential recovery program.

The Power of Shared Purpose

During the festivities, Cary took the stage to thank the crowd and reflect on what the evening means for our clients. He reminded us that it wasn’t the items that made this event so powerful—it was the people. The attendees weren’t just donors; they are partners in our shared vision of recovery and purpose for those still struggling. Their generosity not only broke records but also sends a clear message: the Ozarks believes in second chances.

Gratitude Beyond Words

From all of us at CORE, thank you! Thank you to the sponsors, donors, volunteers, staff, and every friend who made this night unforgettable. The success of this year’s fundraiser will ripple out into changed lives, restored families, and lasting hope. We can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in the year ahead!