By Maggie Beamguard
Insider Editor
A conversation between two Seven Lakes friends out fishing niggled at one of them. After Stuart Moss got home, he cast a search on Google for autism support.
Moss’ friend had shared some of the challenges his family experienced in caring for a grandchild on the autism spectrum. While Moss did not have any first-hand experience with persons with autism of his own, he was moved by the love of his friend who said simply: “You know what? He’s ours.”
Wanting to support his friend, Moss jumped into research mode, educating himself in the resources available to persons with autism and their families. That is when he found the Autism Society of North Carolina and Camp Royall.
Operated by the Autism Society of North Carolina, the 133-acre facility in Pittsboro is the nation’s oldest and largest camp facility serving individuals with autism of all ages and abilities, offering a range of programs including overnight and day camps, family fun days, teen retreats, and more.
Moss made it his mission to spread the word about the camp far and wide.
A retired advertising and marketing executive, and an avid golfer, Moss put to work his considerable skills for bridging connections.
Seven Lakes Golf Club, owned by Michael Ivester, will host the PGA of America, Carolinas Sandhills Chapter Benefit Pro Am Golf Tournament to benefit the Autism Society of North Carolina on Monday, Oct. 27 featuring $2,500 in cash and prizes.
The funds raised will support Camp Royall specifically and its efforts to improve the lives of individuals with autism, support their families and educate communities.
Moss is pleased with the response with sponsorships with many national and regional businesses and organizations providing financial support. Individual hole sponsorships are available as of the end of August.
A number of premier golf clubs, in addition to sending teams of pros to play in the tournament, are making four-person rounds at their courses available for bid among other items at the silent auction. Moss is shooting for 25 teams of four plus 22 pros for a full roster.
“I wanted to make sure that we laid a good solid foundation for this event,” said Moss, who hopes people will come back year after year. “This is something worth supporting, and we know it’s local.”
The foundation for the Autism Society of North Carolina has welcomed the support of the tournament. Members of the society and families impacted by their work will bring some teams and will also be on hand to volunteer.
“This is our first year, and you know, I’m sure we’re gonna learn a lot of things,” Moss said. “It’s a great way for the golfing community, our community, to partner with and hopefully improve the lives of people with autism and their families.”
The tournament will also provide a platform for education about the needs of individuals with autism and how to support them and their families.
When Moss shared his original findings with his friend, his friend exhaled with gratitude and relief. According to Moss, his friend said, “you mean we could go there for a weekend, and everybody would be able to take a big breath of fresh air?”
Any caregiver will know how valuable such a gift is.
Moss’ enthusiasm for how this tournament might impact lives bubbles over as he talks about all of it coming together. He is reluctant to call himself the tournament director because it’s been a collaboration among many parties. But it is clearly his passion that is the driving force.
“I’m so excited because I know we’re helping people,” he said. He recalled for a second time what it meant for his friend to say of his grandson, “he’s ours.”
“I will never forget someone telling me that,” said Moss.
Moss is the grandchild of immigrants from Yugoslavia. His grandfather sponsored other families to move to the United States, and Moss knew that helping people was just something you did in his family. “I grew up knowing that we do what we can to make someone’s life better.” He used this approach in his own business, and now, in charity.
In his collaboration with the Autism Society of North Carolina, Moss has seen the dedication of the employees. “It becomes infectious,” he said. “You don’t mind going the extra mile.” And Moss has gone another 18 holes beyond that.
Those interested in playing in the tournament or sponsoring a hole may reach out to golf7lakes@gmail.com or call 910-673-1092. Registration is $150 per golfer and includes a continental breakfast and lunch.
Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.
