Hole-in-One for the Humane Society

Evan White isn't your average 11-year-old.

At an age where most boys prefer a video game controller, he's out with a driver.

"He loves golf," his father, John White, said.

And animals.

"We have two dogs," Evan White said.

So, it's no surprise to his family that the two loves combined over the summer in a unique service project at Beech Mountain Golf Course.

It started by accident.

"We [Evan and his brother, Trevor] got to hole nine, and we just started collecting golf balls and some people came up and ... we wanted to sell them... and we made $5," Evan White said.

Instead of pocketing the cash, White decided to donate the money to a cause close to his heart, the Humane Society.

"My family really likes dogs," he said. "Like, a year ago, we saved seven dogs. Someone abandoned them on the side of the road. I really like golf, too, and I've been practicing at Beech Mountain Club. I just wanted to do something to have both of them in one."

And he didn't stop at $5. He set an ambitious goal, to make $100 by the end of the summer for the Watauga branch of the Humane Society. It's a goal he surpassed at $150.
"It feels pretty good," White said.

"He's a very special boy," John White said of his son. "We talk about how blessed we are as a family and how it's important to share with other people."

While the older son (Trevor) fished balls out of ponds, Evan sold them to Beech Mountain golfers.
"He had this big bag, he could barely carry the bag of golf balls," John White laughed.

The Whites, who live near Clemson University in South Carolina, but own a vacation home in Beech Mountain, never doubted their son's ability to achieve his goal.

"When he sets his mind to doing something, it's going to be done ... he's a very determined kid," John White said. "And it was funny to watch the reaction of some of these guys. It would range from amazing kindness and people who would pay more just for the charity to people just kind of blowing him off and everything in-between, but it never discouraged him, which, as a dad, I was kind of impressed with."

And, while the summer may be over, the kid is just getting started.
"Next year, I'm going to make $300," he said.

With its new shelter nearing completion, every little bit helps, Humane Society officials say.

How YOU can help

---

Donate

For information on how you can make a tax-deductible donation to help local animals, call the Watauga Humane Society at (828) 264-7865.

---

Adopt a friend

October has been designated Adopt-A-Dog Month and, in Watauga County, the Humane Society is conducting a special program to further encourage adoptions by responsible individuals and families. This month, the adoption fee for any dog that has been at the shelter three months or longer is being reduced to $45, and a free day pass to the dog park is included with the usual package of gifts and services. A reduced adoption fee of $35 applies to any cat that has been at the shelter three months or longer.

---

Promote the cause

WHS has just initiated a new monthly contest called "Happy Tails," co-sponored by the Pet Place at the Shops at Shadowline. If you adopted your pet from the Watauga Humane Society (WHS), you're asked to e-mail the shelter with your happily-ever-after story along with a favorite photo of you and your pet. The story will be posted on the WHS website, and the winner will receive a T-shirt and a $10 Pet Place gift certificate. Stories will help promote adoption at the shelter. To enter, write your story (200 words or less) and include why you chose the animal and how you and your pet have shared your lives since. Attach a photo and send the email to (whshappytails@gmail.com) Monthly winners will be announced by the 10th day of the following month.

---

Volunteer

The Humane Society is always looking for volunteers to walk and spend time with animals. Visit http://www.wataugahumanesociety.org to find out how you can get involved or drop by the shelter (200 Casey Lane).