The 26th annual Boothbay Charities Classic auction and golf tournament raised $50,000 for Special Olympics Maine. The tournament was held at the Boothbay Harbor Country Club on Saturday, Sept. 24.

“This is the day we wait for all year,” said Phil Geelhoed, president of Special Olympics Maine.

Sport celebrities from Florida to Maine formed 22 teams of 110 golfers to participate in a scramble-type tournament. A $10,000 cash prize was available for a hole-in-one or a  46-foot putt. The prizes were sponsored by J. Edward Knight & Co. of Boothbay Harbor. Neither prize was awarded this year.

“I gave it my best,” said Mark Gimbel of Boothbay Harbor. His putt came up a foot or so short of going in the cup.

The team of Tom Blake, Jeff Graham, Adam Casey, Jay Reynolds, and Seth Wescott took first place with a score of 56.

“I love what they do here. They go all out for us,” said Justin Haley, a young pitcher in the Red Sox system. 

All the celebrities showed appreciation for the hospitality and admiration for improvements to the course and clubhouse.

Geelhoed thanked organizers Leon and Brenda Blackman, volunteers and sponsors of the event.