United Way's Annual Birdie Bash Surpasses its Goal as Local Golfers Put in Extra Hours to Raise $23,000
By Joe LaRocca on August 13, 2026
What started as a challenge to golf for ten hours straight ended as a major victory for the community. Participants in Birdie Bash 2026 exceeded their goal of raising $20,000 for United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties, bringing in an impressive $23,0000 to support local programs and services throughout Harrison and Doddridge Counties.
Held on August 11 at Bridgeport Country Club, Birdie Bash brought together sixteen golfers competing in an all-day Stableford-format golf marathon while raising funds for United Way's Annual Campaign. The event challenged participants to spend ten hours on the course while rallying support from friends, family members, coworkers, and local businesses.
The winning golf team was Michael Johnson and Jeff Hill.
The top fundraising team was Josh Gervais and Darin Webster raising $3,760 to support United Way's work across the community.
The golfers faced more than just a long day on the course. Rain showers and lightning moved through the area during the event, forcing players off the course for a brief period of time while they waited for conditions to improve. Despite the weather delay, participants remained in good spirits and quickly resumed play when it was safe to do so.
A special thank you goes to Lisa Lang, who generously covered the golfers' lunch and bar tabs throughout the day, helping make the experience even more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Birdie Bash Founder and Organizer Christian Marsh said the event continues to grow because people believe in the mission behind it.
"This is the third year of Birdie Bash, but it's actually the eighth year I've organized a golf marathon fundraiser for United Way," said Marsh. "Every year I'm amazed by the generosity of this community. We set out to raise $20,000, and not only did the golfers embrace the challenge, but donors throughout Harrison and Doddridge Counties stepped up in a huge way. The amount we raised proves that when people come together around a common purpose, they can accomplish something really special. I'd also like to thank Quality Machine and Bridgeport Country Club for their continued support of this event and United Way's mission."
Marsh said Birdie Bash has become about much more than golf.
"At the end of the day, nobody is out here playing ten hours just to post a score," he said. "The real goal is creating opportunities for people to support local families. Watching teams compete, encourage each other, and rally their networks to raise money for United Way is what makes this event meaningful. That's what keeps us coming back year after year."
Paul McInturff, Interim Executive Director of United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties, said the success of Birdie Bash reflects both the generosity of the community and Marsh's long-standing commitment to United Way.
"The purpose of these public events is to invite our communities to join together in making a difference. Christian, and the other golfers, Quality Machine and sponsoring business, friends and neighbors unifying around great causes is what the United Way has always been about and what we will continue to be about in the future. Our motto of 'United is the Way" is evident in today's success."
This year's participants included Christian Marsh and Nat Frederick; Chuck Marsh and Ben Scoggins; Chris Goode and Scott Griffiths; Jeff Hill and Michael Johnson; Martin Howe and Doug Comer; Eric Moccia and Benji Riley; Jimmy Stemple and John Stemple; and Josh Gervais and Darin Webster.
Funds raised through Birdie Bash will help United Way HDC continue supporting its network of 19 Partner Agencies and community initiatives focused on Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resilience.
Click link below for a gallery of photos from Joe LaRocca. Information above submitted by Kim Drummond for the United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties.
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