Dave Winans takes the first tee during the Sour Mash Golf Tournament Monday morning at the Parkersburg Country Club. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

VIENNA — The Sour Mash Golf Tournament teed off Monday at the Parkersburg Country Club after its initial rain-soaked attempt two weeks ago.

The charity tournament, hosted by the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley, returned stronger than ever, raising critical funds for community programs and honoring the late Sam Winans for his lasting contributions to the region.

“This is the oldest charity tournament in the Mid-Ohio Valley, and it takes a lot of hands to make it the fun day that it is,” said Stacy DeCicco, executive director of the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley. “But more than that, this is about raising the dollars that help us serve veterans, fund 65 non-profit partners, and make a direct impact across our communities.”

Despite early setbacks from the July 15 rainout, the event rebounded thanks to generous donors. What could have been an $11,000 loss was reduced to a roughly $3,000 shortfall thanks to quick contributions from community members and businesses including Promise Labor Services, longtime supporters Becky Mathis Stump and Jeff Stone, and a $5,000 gift from FNB Bank.

DeCicco said the outpouring of support – many donations given without being solicited – was “humbling.”

United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley Executive Director Stacy DiCicco welcomes attendees to Monday’s Sour Mash Golf Tournament at the Parkersburg Country Club. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

“This is how you let us stay in the trenches,” she told the crowd of golfers. “Keep doing the work that we’re doing.”

One of the highlights of the tournament was a special tribute to Sam Winans, the tournament’s 2024 honoree. Winans, who passed away in March, was remembered for his commitment to the United Way and his habit of lifting others up–often introducing community members and advocating for local causes long before the spotlight found them.

DeCicco said Winans had a deep belief in United Way’s mission and a unique ability to build connections in the community.

“Sam believed in United Way. He believed in the work that we were doing, and he knew I was going to be the vehicle for that. And I will be forever thankful,” she said.

The Winans family was present for the tribute, and Sam’s brother, Dave Winans, took the ceremonial first tee shot to kick off the day’s play. Sandi Winans also offered remarks on behalf of the family.

Sandi Winans thanks the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley for honoring her husband, Sam, during Monday morning’s Sour Mash Gold Tournament at the Parkersburg Country Club. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

“First and foremost, I want to thank all of you for coming. It’s quite an honor for the family that you are recognizing Sam, and we appreciate your participation,” she said. “Sam loved this community as his brothers love this community. They did everything they possibly could to support both South Side and the North Side and all the entities in between.”

Tournament play resumed Monday under better weather, with participants competing in a scramble or “two best balls of four” format. Organizers prepared 150 extra “Sour Mash Smash” cocktails to help boost fundraising throughout the day, a tongue-in-cheek nod to the financial challenges of rescheduling.

In a surprise final announcement, DeCicco shared that the McDonough Foundation stepped in to close the $3,000 deficit completely, allowing the United Way to begin the day with a clean financial slate.

“It’s like it never even happened,” she said of the rainout.

Final results were unavailable at deadline.

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com.