Swinging For a Cause Ashland YMCA’s Fore the Kids Golf Fundraiser Was a Huge Success

Swinging For a Cause

Ashland YMCA’s Fore the Kids Golf Fundraiser Was a Huge Success

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

With the American flag billowing through the sky, delivered by a skydiver in a breathtaking aerial descent onto the fairway of Hole One, the 3rd Annual Fore the Kids Golf Fundraiser launched with patriotic pride and powerful purpose on Friday, June 27, at Bellefonte Country Club. Hosted by the Ashland Area YMCA, the event blended community spirit, heartfelt tribute, and unwavering dedication to the youth of the region. More than just a golf outing, Fore the Kids was a salute to service, sacrifice, and the shared goal of building a better future for Ashland's children.

Over 32 four-person teams gathered on the lush green course, united by sunshine, sportsmanship, and service. Veterans were honored with free registration and a commemorative hat — a small token of deep appreciation for their sacrifice. The event followed a shotgun start, scramble format, and brought together local businesses, families, and volunteers, all with one mission: supporting the Ashland YMCA’s youth programs.

Tracy Hillman, longtime supporter and event coordinator, opened the ceremony with heartfelt gratitude:

“There are so many to thank for this awesome day for the Ashland YMCA... Our Eagle sponsors include Big Sandy Superstores, Tri-State Pawn and Jewelry, Riggs Machine Shop, Tres Hermanos, Walmart, and UK-Kings Daughters Medical Center. We especially want to thank our Presenting Double Eagle Sponsor — Clark’s Pump-N-Shop. John Clark, Rick Clark, and Brent Clark... these folks do so much for our community. I am truly amazed at their generosity. Please don't take these guys for granted. If you don't already, please stop at your local Clark’s Pump-N-Shop and support them, because no one supports our community more than they do. You can thank them for the very nice shirts everyone received today."

Hillman also gave a warm shoutout to the day’s hosts:

“Special thanks to Jeff Bostic and his staff here at Bellefonte and Superintendent Mark Harper... you all do a great job! Also, big thanks to all those sponsoring teams and you all showing up to participate today. We are honored that you chose to spend your time and your money today for the Ashland YMCA. It is truly appreciated.”

But for Hillman, this event is also about the people behind the scenes, particularly the YMCA’s Executive Director, Scott Campbell…

“One of the main reasons I have become a part of the YMCA golf outing is the Executive Director, Scott Campbell. I've known Scott a long time and I have seen his passion for the YMCA and the kids of our community. I know where his heart is and I know the Y is extremely fortunate to have him... I would like for him to say a few words — Scott Campbell.”

Taking the mic, Campbell shared how the event’s proceeds are directly impacting lives: “With last year's money, we were able to buy a brand-new divider in the youth gym. This year, I hope to buy bleachers in the youth gym so parents and family can watch their kids. All of the proceeds from this outing stay in this community and 100% go toward youth activities at the YMCA. The YMCA would not be where it is today without the generosity of others such as yourselves,” he added, motioning toward the crowd of supporters.

“The pilot up in the sky today was Terry Smith. The Ground Safety Specialist was Mark Russell, and the brave jumper and star of the show was Nicole Condrey. Nicole has jumped about 3,000 times, is a competition canopy formation pilot, a member of the United States Parachute Team, joined Team Fastrax in 2017, has 15 years of service to our country, and was even the Mayor of Team Fastrax's hometown of Middletown, Ohio. Thank you for getting this day and the July 4th week off to a phenomenal start,” Hillman shared.

But perhaps the most touching moment of the day came in the form of tribute. Each Team Fastrax jumper carries a photo of a fallen soldier, and this year’s honoree was Tracy Hillman’s uncle — Roy M. Hillman Jr., who was killed in action in Argentan, France, on August 20, 1944. “Our family is truly touched that you have honored our uncle in such an amazing manner,” Hillman said. “There are several descendants of my uncle I want to recognize — Sheila Judy, my cousin, and Morgan, my daughter.”

As the sun set over Bellefonte and golf clubs were packed away, one truth stood clear: this was more than a fundraiser. It was a celebration of freedom, community, and the enduring impact that unity can have. With each swing of the club and every dollar raised, the Ashland YMCA continues to build a future where kids grow strong, families stay connected, and veterans are honored not just with words, but with action. The Fore the Kids Golf Fundraiser reminds us all that when a community comes together — skydivers, sponsors, veterans, volunteers — there's nothing it can't achieve. Let this event linger in your heart as a tribute to the American spirit and a promise to invest in the next generation.