Bridgeport’s Own “Doctor Do Good” Kelly Nelson and the charity he leads may end up topping itself once again. While that often happens on a regular basis, something incredibly special appears to be in the works July 25.

 

Before we get to that, let us first take a look at the big sporting event taking place toward the end of the month that has helped Nelson, his charity and merry band of volunteers raise a little more than $2 million for worthy causes in the past 22 years.

 

On Monday, July 25, the Children’s Charity Golf Classic hosted by Medbrook Children’s Charity, will be held at the Pete Dye Golf Club. And while it is a sporting event, there will be no competitive winner. There is a good chance those involved may not even be able to complete a round of golf even with cooperative weather.

 

“We’re the only golf tournament where golf clubs are optional,” said Nelson.

 

The statement is not hyperbole. When registration begins at 10:30 a.m. on July 25 and the first golfers tee off at noon, the field will feature more than 200 golfers. While the number is significant in that it is standard for the tournament size pre-COVID, it is also significant in the fact that there is almost no way all involved in a 200-plus-person tournament can complete the course.

 

“That’s a full field. Actually, it is well over a full field,” said Nelson.

 

The best part? Everyone is okay with that. Even better, they have paid more than good money and there is a waiting list as well for people willing to take part in a golf event that will likely not be able to be completed.

 

Again, that is okay. Here is why.

 

The tournament is equal parts sporting event, entertainment event, party, charity drive, and probably a few things I have failed to mention.

 

Nelson frequently refers to the tournament as “a party with a purpose.” Anyone involved will tell you the statement is pretty spot on. The party actually begins on the golf course, to help serve the purpose that is the charitable funds, and then business really gets serious when activities move inside at 5:30 p.m. at Pete Dye.

 

“We take the party part seriously and, in the evening, once we go indoors, we take the purpose seriously,” said Nelson.

 

The party on the course includes food on every par 3, drinks across the board, a dunk tank, gladiator jousting, dee jays and, this year, axe throwing has been added to the mix. Again, I am certain I have left something out.

 

That $2 million-plus dollar figure raised by the charity primarily though this tournament? It goes to worthy causes, multiple worthy causes. The key beneficiary is the Harrison County Board of Education and its School Nurses Discretionary Fund and Children’s Apparel Program. It also has seen, in recent years, various other worthy organizations get support.

 

That leads to something big about to get some hefty support – extremely hefty. As noted, Nelson’s statements are not subject to hyperbole. So, when he says there will be a major announcement that evening, expect it to be major.

 

“We’re going to unveil something that is going to be a pinnacle moment for this charity,” said Nelson. “We have been looking for a key project to benefit the community in a truly charitable sense and we have found it.”

 

As for what it is, you will have to wait until early the evening of July 25. There are no further details other than what is unveiled will have the Medbrook Children’s Charity named attached to it and Nelson said, “It is more than worthy of our support.”

 

Support is another reason a special announcement can be made, and the tournament is able to continue. While many events and activities wither after many years because the volunteer base remains the same and ages itself out and sponsorships dry up, Nelson said that has not been the case here. In fact, he said they have bucked the trend on several fronts as the event is well into its second decade.

 

“The best thing is seeing the community give over and over and knowing those involved with this program plan their vacations around this event each summer,” said Nelson. “You still have to beat the bushes a bit for sponsorships, but we have been blessed with two sponsors in MCM and Bridgeport Physical Therapy that have been with us for all 22 years. On top of that, with the energy sector coming back again we have new energy sponsorships. It’s remarkable to still have the original sponsors involved and new sponsors coming on board.”

 

While Nelson is pleased with that, there is another thing that gives him comfort as he will tell you he is no longer the fresh pup he was when this started more than two decades ago.

 

“The other huge gratification is we have been able to secure a generational flip with those involved. We’ve gotten younger kids involved, and my kids even coming back to be here and help with their friends,” said Nelson. “That is an unbelievable part we’re very proud of and it shows why this area and West Virginia are the nation’s best kept secret.”

 

That may be true, but the other secret announcement set for July 25 is pretty well kept too. Any chance on spilling the beans, Doc?

 

“You’ll have to wait. It will be worth it,” Nelson said with a laugh.

 

Editor’s Note:Top photo is of Kelly Nelson at his office, while photos from past Children’s Charity Golf Classic events are by Ben Queen Photography. Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can do so by going to www.medbrookcharity.org and clicking on the donation link. Nelson said any dollar donated will be managed by good stewards of the money and that it will go back into the community.