AMERICUS, Ga. -- The Georgia Southwestern State University Department of Athletics presented $43,000 in cash prizes on Friday evening at the 7th Annual Hail Storm event held for the first time at the Griffin Bell Golf & Conference Center.
As part of the GSW Athletics fundraiser, supporters purchased golf balls that were dropped from a lift, thanks to Americus Fire and Emergency Services, towards a target on the ground. Helicopter use for the ball drop this year was prohibited because of travel safety concerns due to the weather. A total of 10 prizes of varying amounts were awarded based on ball location. Closest to the target took home the first prize of $25,000, second closest received $10,000 and the balls coming in third through ninth won $1,000 each. The final prize of $1,000 was given for the ball farthest away.
Attendees enjoyed food from The Canterbury Kitchen, complimentary drinks - including beverages provided by local partners Thirteenth Colony Distilleries and Mike's Party Center - and music performed by The Creativity Band.
The following is a list of winners from this year's Hail Storm. The number next to the name is the number that was assigned to their golf ball.
$1,000
Ball #283 - Chuck Smith
Ball #398 - David Hernandez
Ball #1278 - Hunter Peak
Ball #259 - Alexandra Gossett
Ball #1182 - Eric Crawford
Ball #170 - Brian Braddy
Ball #629 - Chadwick Gugg
Ball #998 - Kalee Helgeson
$10,000
Ball #545 - Cynthia Lamb
$25,000
Ball #1045 - Todd Hatcher
