Despite rainy conditions, 39 golfers showed up and stayed through the duration last Saturday at the seventh annual tournament to benefit Braxton Senior Daycare.

“We had 39 in the rain. Everybody played 18 holes,” Annie Braxton said of the event. “They were soaking wet when they got through, but they had fun.”

The field consisted of a trio of three-member ladies’ teams and a 10 three-member men’s teams. The seventh installment of the event also had its customary longest drive competition for both genders.

Braxton said she was pleased with the strong turnout and accompanying devotion of the golfers who braved the rain to attend.

“It says a lot about how the community, the region, the area gives us support,” Braxton said of the field of golfers, which included participants from Demopolis, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Choctaw and Selma among others. “That says a lot to what they think about supporting us.”

Tommie Jean Gilbert hit the longest drive on the women’s side while Chris Walker stroked the greatest tee shot among the men. Gilbert went home with a picture frame for her efforts while Walker earned a set of golf balls.

“We want to thank all of those who participated and those who gave donations,” Braxton said.

In addition to the $65 entry fee paid by each golfer, the tournament’s total draw of $3,200 also included contributions from several individuals.

“We had donations given to us by state senator Bobby Singleton,” Braxton said.

“We had contributions from Representative A.J. McCampbell too,” Gilbert added.

The golf tournament is one of only two fundraisers the daycare center holds each year. According to Braxton, funds raised through such events are vital to the financial health of the center.

“We have two fundraisers a year. That is what sustains us because we have clients that we do let come and they can’t pay,” Braxton explained. “We have to do fundraisers in order to take care of the clients who are not financially able to pay.”

On the men’s side, Dennis Holley, Braxton Holley and Cassandra Holley took first place. Second place went to Lester Mitchell, L.J. Mitchell and Jackie Reid. The team of Charles Taylor, Nathaniel Carter, and Harold Scott finished third.

On the women’s side, Edmonia Borden, Karen Braxton and Gilbert won. Second place went to Linda McGillivray, Debbie Green and Patsy Cooley. The third place team was Annie Braxton, Ora Burks and Reggious Bell.

The center’s final fundraiser of the year is its annual gala, scheduled for Aug. 29 at Rooster Hall.