55th Sour Mash concludes
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The oldest local charity golf tournament, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars since its creation, expects to clear another $45,000 for non-profit groups this year.
The 55th Sour Mash Open organized by the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley was held Monday at the Parkersburg Country Club, where a full field of golfers competed in the sold-out annual charity scramble.
The United Way is waiting for the final invoices to be received, but "We expect to have a $45,000 profit," Stacy DeCicco, executive director of the United Way, said.
This year, the tournament honored the philanthropic efforts of the Bernard McDonough Foundation. Past honorees have included Sam Winans, Holmes R. "Butch" Shaver, the Ross Foundation and Sam Ross, Pat and Judy Minnite, John Dudley and Mary Welch.
Since 1976, the McDonough Foundation has raised more than $2.4 million for the United Way.
"The long-standing relationship bridges a connection beyond just the generous monetary contributions," DeCicco said. "It is a partnership that exemplifies collaboration and a shared vision for a stronger, more vibrant community."
The McDonough Foundation is the agency's largest lifetime donor, she said. Members of the family and the board of directors also are donors beyond what the foundation gifts, DeCicco said.
"This relationship and their trust in our efforts has made tangible change across this community. We are so humbled to be a partner and so grateful for their continued support.”
"This is more than a golf tournament," DeCicco said. "It's a celebration of the people and partnerships that allow us to support local nonprofit partners, serve veterans, meet the needs of families that are living in the margins, and directly impact lives across the Mid-Ohio Valley."
The 2026 title sponsor was the Deitzler Foundation. Harry Deitzler spoke about why the selection to honor the McDonough Foundation and family was so important to him.
“The Bernard McDonough Foundation was established in 1962 and remains one of the largest private foundations in West Virginia. While I was employed as Wood County’s prosecuting attorney in the early 1980s, I quickly observed that Mr. and Mrs. McDonough and their foundation were providing major funding to support basic human needs organizations throughout our community.
During his lifetime, Bernard McDonough never sought recognition or attention for his contributions, Deitzler said. After his death in 1985, his wife, Alma, further funded the foundation, to enable it to increase its granting initiatives, and their daughter, Mary Riccobene and her sons, along with the foundation’s directors and officers, "have carried the tradition forward through the present with similar modesty and humility," Deitzler said.
"For those reasons, it has been a special privilege to join with the other Sour Mash sponsors honoring the McDonough family and their foundation today, and hopefully carrying forward their example of providing essential funding for this community by giving to our local United Way organization,” Deitzler said.
Members of the McDonough Foundation board also participated in the tournament.
"We're so grateful to have been recognized at the Sour Mash golf tournament. It's been a privilege to support the United Way and our community over the last 60 years," foundation CEO Angi Smith said. "We're excited to continue working together and making a difference."
Among the treats for golfers was the signature Sour Mash smashes, an ice cream truck from Maggie Moo's, tee gifts, apparel, a 19th Hole Cigar Bar and the Bourbon Trail Putting Contest, among others.
"We always want to ensure that we deliver a special day for our golfers. We are blessed to have the support of our community and our sponsors as we plan for this annual event," DeCicco said. "We celebrate the dozens of returning golfers that we see each year and are always excited to see new faces joining in the fun each year. It is always a great day for a very important cause."
The winning foursome was Lance Crossman, Brett Barker, David Mitchell and Dan Owen.
This year's sponsors were:
Title: Deitzler Foundation
Platinum: Richard and Liza Adams
Gold: Hap Esbenshade
Tee Gift: Coplin Health System, Goodwill Industries of the Summit
Awards Reception: Hope Gas
Lunch: CAS Cable
Birdie Bites Snack Stand: The PM Company
Bloody Mary Breakfast: United Bank
Sweet Scoop Station: WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center
Par 3: Peoples Bank
Putting Contest: FNB/REV Federal Credit Union
Tournament Sponsors: Chemours, McClinton Auto Group, Delrin, Sir Speedy, Curry Warehouses, WMOA
Beverage: North Bend Wealth Management
Birdie: Community Bank, Constellium, Reagle and Padden, Cimarron, Phoenix Associates
Hole: Artsbridge; Becky and Jim McGinnis; McDonough Foundation; Tri-State; Cherry River Construction; James, Hollie and Theo Judson; Cimarron; Pioneer Volleyball; Wesbanco; Badger Lumber; Leavitt Funeral Home; Wingrove Jewelers; Bosley Rental and Supply
Raffle: WMOA, Marc DeCicco, Blennerhassett Hotel and Spa, Huffman's Prime Steakhouse, Pizza Station on Third Street, Actors Guild of Parkersburg, Wingrove Jewelers