Auction of ‘Once in a Lifetime Experiences’ Raises Almost $300,000 for Pinehurst Resort Employees

April 15, 2020

#InPinehurst | Golf

You don’t have to look hard or far to find amazing stories about communities and people coming together to support each other during this trying time.

The humanitarian response throughout the U.S. and around the world during the novel Covid-19 has been nothing short of amazing.

These examples served as inspiration for Pinehurst Resort to come to the aid of its fellow team members. Anyone who has spent any amount of time here knows our employees are like family.

Our family, and your family. The “Home of American Golf” has always been a home away from home for so many.

To raise money for employees who have been furloughed due to Covid-19 related closures, we quickly curated a list of once-in-a-lifetime experience for people to bid on during an online auction.

Examples included a two-night stay in the Dornoch Cottage with three rounds of golf; playing the back nine on No. 2 with Payne Stewart’s former caddie Mike Hicks; a walking tour of No. 2 with co-architect Bill Coore; and playing all 10 of our courses and a six-night stay in the Carolina Hotel.

Even Pinehurst Brewing Company got in on the action with a “Brewer’s Platform Private Dinner” featuring smoked meats, pizzas, wings and fresh ales for up to 20 people. You can check out all the experiences and what they went for here.

We are so fortunate to have these assets available to utilize in order to give back.

One of the heartwarming aspects of it all was the overwhelming support. Support from all the bidders, who contributed nearly $300,000 in just three days.

Support from Barstool Golf’s Sam Riggs Bozoian, who broadcast the auction’s close on our Instagram feed.

And support from our national, regional and local media friends, who helped spread the word and bolster awareness.

“Amid the tears and chaos, and the daily hourly changes to our environment, we were trying to find a way to channel people’s desire to help. We went live that first night and raised over $100,000. So we decided to keep on going,” Pinehurst Resort President Tom Pashley recently told The [Pinehurst] Pilot.

“The creativity of these auction packages really inspired people. A lot of this has never been done before and may never be done again,” he added. “It has been very rewarding.”

We look forward to continuing to serve our community and Pinehurst Resort family, and eventually welcoming everyone back here at Pinehurst.