Golf tournament raises funds for rescue program

DOVER- The date has been set and player registration is now open for the third annual Doglegs Golf Outing, teeing off on Saturday, September 28, at the Mount Snow Golf Club. The 18-hole scramble-format event is a fundraiser for The Grayter Good Weimaraner Rescue, with all proceeds to support the Grayter Good’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home purebred Weimaraners anywhere in the Eastern United States.
As demand for its services continue to grow, the New Jersey-based nonprofit continues to expand its foster-family network and coverage area, now 23 states. The organization has rescued more than 250 Weimaraners since its inception in January 2015, including 75 Weimaraners in the past 12 months alone.
“On any given day, I never know who is going to be knocking on our door looking for help,” said the organization’s founder, Peter MacDonald. “A quiet cup of coffee first thing in the morning is a distant memory, and that’s OK. Our Facebook page states that we are never closed, and we’re not. Whether it’s in our Northeast office in Hoboken, NJ, or our southeast office in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, when the phone rings, we are there.”
With a core team of just three people, Peter and Susan MacDonald in NJ, and Kate Wagner in FL, who all work full-time jobs, the time commitment required to always be open isn’t nearly as costly as the out of pocket expenses. The team does it for the love of the breed and the joy they bring to people, but their efforts cost money.
“We cover all medical needs for those we rescue, and that adds up quickly,” said MacDonald. “With an average expenditure of $1,200 per rescued Weimaraner, the funds raised at last year’s Doglegs Golf Outing were a tremendous help in keeping us afloat and allowing us to grow.”
As with most rescue organizations, The Grayter Good never has enough money in the bank nor enough foster families simply waiting to help. “Yet, we manage to be there when we are needed, and we find a way to make it work,” said MacDonald. “For sure we are blessed to have really good people cheering us on, liking us on Facebook, following us on Instagram, volunteering, and donating.”
So, why Weimaraners? “Weims are an amazing breed. They can be the most loving and loyal dogs, so long as owners give them enough attention and proper training. But they are, like people, all unique,” said MacDonald.
For the MacDonalds and Wagner, their love affair with Weimaraners began when they adopted rescues several years ago. In addition to their own dogs, “Between the two households, we have fostered more than 150 Weimaraners in the past four and a half years,” said MacDonald.
Golfers of all abilities can support The Grayter Good’s efforts at the Doglegs Golf Outing. Player registration is $150 per person. It includes lunch, 18 holes of golf, dinner, a goody bag, and more. Awards and raffles will be held following the scramble-format shotgun tournament, which tees off at 1 pm, Saturday, September 28.
In addition to golfers, sponsors play a huge part in the success of this annual event.  From families, to small businesses, to large corporations, there are sponsorship opportunities to fit every budget.   
For more information to register for the tournament, become a sponsor or donate to The Grayter Good Weimaraner Rescue visit: www.thegraytergood.org/doglegs.
The Grayter Good Weimaraner Rescue is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) charity.