No Worries Classic In Buda Raises $244,000 For Nonprofit Benefiting Children

Sporting Clay Shoot Raises More Than $2.8 Million For Kids With Sick Parents – Central Texas business community donates time, money and prizes for a great cause.

Austin, Texas – On Oct. 20, No Worries Classic 2017 returned with the comradery and competition it’s known for, raising more than $244,000 in its tenth year. Since the first shoot in 2008, the event has raised more than $2.8 million for the Central Texas nonprofit Wonders & Worries, which provides children and teens with free, professional support during a parent’s serious illness.

Sixteen teams shot clays to raise money and win prizes for games, best team score, highest fundraiser and more. Top sponsors included The Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation; Alpha Painting and Decorating Co., Inc.; and Texas Disposal Systems.

Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) hosted the event at its Exotic Game Ranch and Pavilion in Buda, Texas. TDS Representative Jennifer Gregory said, “As a family-owned business we are honored to be a part of helping families during their most challenging times. Wonders & Worries is an organization we are so proud to partner with.”

Any event with 10,000 clay targets and shells, 300 ear plugs, and 250 breakfast tacos couldn’t succeed without volunteers. Three central Texas groups stepped forward to support Wonders & Worries: AW Media, Sun City retirement community and TMLT. For AW Media employees, it was a company-sponsored day of service.

More than $40,000 in prizes were given away from Texas businesses Kendra Scott, McBride’s Guns Inc., Sportsman’s Finest and YETI, to name a few. All shooters took home a YETI LoadOut 5-Gallon Bucket. Notable winners included:

• Top Individual Fundraiser – Mark Milstead won a 5-day/4-night trip from Getaway2Give by raising more than $25,000. Milstead ousted the four-year reigning top fundraiser, Jerry Conway, to earn the title.

• Top Team Fundraiser – “Claybusters” Mark Milstead (captain), Chris Harkrider, Steve Harren, Paul Hudson and John Osgood and each won a $500 gift card to McBride’s Guns for collectively raising nearly $50,000.

• Top Team Score – “Wingin’ It” Kevin Sells (captain), Marcus Flake, Dale Read, Brad Shafer and Mike Watson each took home a CZ Redhead O/U 12-Gauge Shotgun from McBride’s for best combined team

Amidst the good-natured jockeying and generous awards, the reason for the event was not lost. David and Kelly Mebane spoke about their experiences with Wonders & Worries as parents to Weston (age 11) and Caroline (age 9). At 37, David was diagnosed with advanced heart disease, and at 39 he survived a heart attack. He now has five stents.

“What we didn’t realize was how much it was impacting our children,” said David. But one evening in May 2017 it became clear that Weston and Caroline needed support.

David was invited to speak at the American Heart Association. A video interview that the couple had recorded was shown during dinner. “During the video, our son, Weston, just started sobbing at the table,” shared Kelly, her voice breaking. “I was really surprised; I didn’t know that he was hurting so much.”

“I love that Wonders & Worries knows what our children need, no matter what their personality is, and they give them the space to process it,” continued Kelly. “Weston and Caroline are now both thriving.” To attendees, the Mebanes offered their gratitude: “We just want to say thank you for giving us and our children the greatest gift, and providing something that we couldn’t.”

Wonders & Worries’ executive director, Alex Gabbi, added, “I’m amazed at the generosity of the community, that together we’ve raised more than $2.8 million over 10 years through this event. These funds allow us to reach even more Texas children and families facing a parent’s illness.”

Wonders & Worries ensures that children and teens can reach their full potential even though their parent is facing a serious illness. Established in 2001, its mission is to provide professional support for ages 2-18 through a parent’s illness. All Wonders & Worries services are free of charge and offered in English and Spanish at multiple locations in Central Texas, including Austin, Georgetown and San Antonio. Follow Wonders & Worries on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For more information, contact Penney Berryman, Communications Director, at 512-329-5757, Ext. 202 or  penney@wondersandworries.org.