MACA’s 17th Annual Spring Open: A Day of Golf, Generosity, and Community Spirit

From the first swing to the final putt, the day was filled with laughter, friendly competition, and a whole lot of heart.

A Community Effort

The Monroe Area Council for the Arts teed up another unforgettable day at Kahite for our 17th Annual Spring Open Golf Tournament, bringing together 108 golfers, 35 major sponsors, and an incredible group of volunteers. Everyone united by one shared goal: supporting the arts in Monroe County.

This event simply wouldn’t happen without the incredible support of our sponsors and volunteers.

Highlights:

35 Major Sponsors across all levels

Neighborhood participation generated an impressive $4,235 in hole sponsorships

Over $1,400 in gift cards donated by local businesses for prizes

Volunteers handled everything from registration and contests to hospitality and setup—with thoughtful planning, clear roles, and even a pre-event thank-you brunch to bring the team together.

A Strong Start and a Musical Send-Off

Golfers were welcomed with a special send-off at 9:00 AM by Matthew McCrary and two Monroe Middle School trumpet students, setting an uplifting tone for the day. It was a memorable and meaningful reminder of exactly what this event supports—arts education and creative opportunities in our community.

On the Course: Fun, Friendly Competition

The course was alive with energy thanks to a mix of contests and activities:

Play It Forward
Inside the Circle
Longest Putt
Longest Drive
Closest to the Pin
Putting Contest
Mulligans

Golfers appreciated the hole-by-hole contest guides placed in every cart, helping them stay engaged and ready for what was ahead.

A big shout out to our putting contest winner who donated his $100 prize back, capturing the generous spirit of the day!

On the Course: Galley Fun and Neighborhood Spirit

Golfers were welcomed at the 12th green by the enthusiastic cheers of the viewing galley of The Par-Tee Pours Fore the Arts.

A small traveling trophy was awarded to Golanvyi Trail for the most neighborhood sponsorships sparking plenty of laughs and some competitive spirit for next year!

The Results: Men's Division - 1st Place

Ken Latos, Don Tansor, Jeffrey Rector, Kevin Fike

The Results: Women's Division - 1st Place

Sandy Borders, Melanie Harrison, Mo Gillis, Debbie Allard

The Results: Mixed Couples Division - 1st Place

Kevin Keyes, Tina Keyes, Suzy Short, Michael Short

Where the Proceeds Go

Every dollar raised from the Spring Open supports MACA’s mission to bring the arts to life in Monroe County. Proceeds help fund:
- Youth arts education programs.
- Community performances and exhibits.
- Partnerships with schools and local artists.
- Events that make the arts accessible to all

Thank you to Our Sponsors

The success of MACA’s 17th Annual Spring Open would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors. Your support fuels the arts in our community, and we are deeply grateful.

Patron Sponsors:

Creative Hardscapes
People’s Bank of East Tennessee
Vonore Dental

Lunch Sponsors:
Merrill, A Bank of America Company
Loren Plemons, Attorney at Law

Putting Contest Sponsor: PRISMA Health

Sweetwater Beverage Sponsor: WarrenJackson CPAs

Gold Sponsors:
Biereley-Hale Funeral Home
Chota Community Health Services

Silver Sponsors:
Mastercraft Boat Company
Smiley Family Chiropractic & Wellness Center
Volunteer Federal Savings Bank
Victory Bar & Grille
Cielito Lindo Mexican Grill & Bar
Sloan Center Hardware
SHA – Sweetwater Hospital Association
Vonore Drug Family Wellness
HarborTowne Marine
Gillenwater Masons

Special Event Support Sponsors:

Hole-in-One Sponsor: Jacky Jones Ford of Sweetwater
Giveaway Sponsor: Tate’s Building Supply

Prize & In-Kind Donors:
Food City
McDonald’s
Tellico Village Golf
KFC
Rudd’s Restaurant
Pizzeria Venti
Salon Anew
Bert’s Restaurant
Thai Bistro
The Soup Kitchen
Smok’n Bonz
Vonore Quick Lube

Hole Sponsors:
Alcoa Tenn Federal Credit Union
Valley Building Supply
Vonore Gift & Vintage Emporium
Choice Audiology
Vonore Auto Repair
Mark & Donna Prybell
Patsy Carson
Click Funeral Home and Cremations
The M Salon and Merle Norman
Lawncare of Eastern Tennessee
ORNL Federal Credit Union
Steve & Leslie Shuman
Suzanne Churchill - In Memory of Bill Churchill
Greg Seigworth & Margo Kelleher Foundation
Greg & Debbie Michael
The Par-Tee Pours Fore the Arts
Sweet & Sassy Shoppe
FLI Full Line Insurance
Norm & Carolyn Curtis
Karop & Marilyn Bavougian
Diana Thornburg
Jim & Wava Riley
Laura Sell & Todd Phipps