#ThankfulThursday: TopGolf Huntsville Was A Hit

Wilson Family enjoy the day at TopGolf in Huntsville, AL to benefit CCA Kids

On a sunny October afternoon, CCA friends and families came together to celebrate acceptance and play a TopGolf tournament in Huntsville, Alabama to raise funds for our programs and services. The day went by without a hitch, thanks to the thoughtful planning by hosts, the Mossholder family, and the TopGolf staff. The day was made even more special with visits from friends new and old.  

What always amazes our team is how the families themselves show up and give generously to raise funds and support for an organization we all love. To kickoff the event, Erica Mossholder, Executive Director, offered a warm welcome to her hometown supporters, and introduced Mindi Stowe, CCA Mom, who gave a moving speech about her family’s first Retreat experience this year

Cindi Stowe and Cindi Anderson

in Arizona. Mindi described how her family, including husband Jeremy, CCA Kid, Carter, and SuperSibs Wesley and Jackson, drove all the way across the country from Decatur, AL to Scottsdale, AZ. She described the impact that meeting a hotel full of families like theirs made on their lives. Many of us welled up with tears at Mindi’s candidness and earnestness. But before we could reminisce too long about our own journeys, TopGolf Pro, Jonathan Lynch took over and said it was time to get playing! He explained the game rules, while food was served. Quickly team assembled and made their way to their bays to warm up.  

There were several family teams, which we sincerely appreciate! Laura, Heath, and CCA Kid, Beth Wilson came out from Boaz, AL and brought their family with them to play. Nathosa Click and her parents (we missed Dad, Justin, and SuperSibs due to scheduling conflicts), came from New Hope to enjoy food and fellowship where her CCA Kid, Taylor, learned he has an amazing long ball off the tee! New to CCA, the Damron family, with CCA Kid Luke, and SuperSibs, Spencer and Paul,

Damron Family

joined us and finally experienced what so many of us often say, “I feel like I know you from Facebook, but it’s so much better to meet in person!” We are so glad they drove all the way from Tuscaloosa to meet their friends “IRL – in real life!” 

Casey Deakins

The tournament heated up as the teams vied for first and second place, but in the end, The Rammer Jammers, took top spot, with team member Oscar Brown winning first place in the Men’s Individual Award, too! Also from this team, the Women’s Individual Award went to Dede Allen. The Nerds, a team put together by volunteer, Eric Klauber, and his dedicated coworkers from BASF, took home the second place prize. Finally, our Golf Pro, Jonathan, wanted the kids in attendance to take a swing at a quick competition, too, so the juniors played a round and Spencer Damron took home the prize of everyone’s favorite food, pizza! To close us all out, CCA Adult, Casey Deakins, who drove over three hours from Atlanta, GA, sent us off with heartfelt thanks. As one of the earliest CCA Kids, she is a testament to all the work CCA has done for the last 30 years. Casey described her “Aha!” moment when she attended Retreat and found a friend who looked just like her. Now, no matter where she goes – from the grocery store to her job at Kennesaw State University, stares and comments don’t get her down. Instead, she greets the world with the confidence of having her CCA family behind her. 

Jeremy Stowe wins the Yeti Bucket
raffle package

One of the coolest stories from the event, however, was told upon getting to know our energetic and enthusiastic GolfPro, Jonathan, we found out he, too, is a CCA SuperSib! Jonathan has a brother, Nick, who has Goldenhar syndrome. We found this story especially touching, because sometimes you never know the true reaches of your community until you open up and share your own story.

We must also thank our amazing

volunteers who made this event a success! Thank you to our speakers, Mindi Stowe and Casey Deakins, as previously mentioned, and Eric Klauber, who assisted with preparation, setup, and fundraising. Finally, Andy Yarbrough, CCA Dad, collected hundreds of dollars of goodies for our raffle, which truly made the fundraiser a success for our kids. Altogether, we netted over $1,500 for CCA!

TopGolf Huntsville winning adult men's team!

 Many thanks to the local outpouring of love and raffle items from: 

Ainsley Bowen and @Homes Realty Group

Pump it Up, Parties and Bounce Houses

Tate Farms

Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy

ZOOM Indoor Cycling

MisterWash Car Wash

St. Nick’s Knives

Kendra Scott Bridge Street

Jen Robinson Lash Design

TopGolf Huntsville

Outback, Mike Foreman

Panera Bead

Brickhouse Sports Cafe

Bravo Cucina Italiana

Connor’s Steak & Seafood

BJ’s Brewhouse

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

Drake’s

Lawler’s BBQ

Chuy’s Tex Mex

Chick-Fil-A Meal (Madison, AL)

I Love Sushi

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Earth & Stone Pizza

Tazikis Mediterranean Cafe

Another Broken Egg

Mellow Mushroom

Shrimp Basket

Phil Sandoval’s Mexican Restaurant

Ol’ Heidelberg Gernman Restaurant 

ModPizza

Metro Diner