
A local restaurant owner has transformed a moment of triumph on the golf course into a generous gift for those in need. Kevin Cole, co-owner of Dino’s Restaurant in downtown Elizabethton, achieved a hole-in-one during the recent United Way Golf Tournament, which aimed to raise funds for victims of Hurricane Helene. This remarkable shot earned him a prize of $10,000, but instead of cashing the check, Cole and his wife decided to donate the winnings to the United Way.
The decision came after a period of reflection at home. “I could have used the $10,000,” Cole remarked, “but it just seemed like the right thing to do. My wife didn’t even hesitate. She said, ‘You’ve got to give it back.’ After praying about it, that’s exactly what we did.” The funds were provided by Hole in One Insurance Co., which confirmed Cole’s winning shot and processed the payment earlier this month.
Immediately after receiving the check, Cole went to Carter County Bank to obtain a cashier’s check made out to the United Way. The donation was publicly presented at Dino’s this week, attended by United Way representatives and local community supporters.
Cole expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute. “They may feel like the ones being blessed, but honestly, I’m the one who feels blessed,” he stated. “We played to help raise money for the United Way, not to win anything. This just made it even more special.”
Supporting Recovery Efforts
Leslie Dalton, CEO of the United Way, highlighted the importance of Cole’s donation, particularly in light of the challenges faced by the community this year. “Our community has really struggled this year with the impact of Hurricane Helene,” Dalton explained. “A lot of families were already facing hardship before the storm, and now there’s even more need. We’re still working every day to help families rebuild, and this donation will go a long way in supporting that effort.”
Currently, the United Way supports 15 nonprofit organizations in Carter County, providing assistance to approximately 10,000 residents through programs designed for children, seniors, and families in crisis. Dalton emphasized that this funding will help sustain essential services and facilitate long-term recovery.
As for Cole, he reflected on his fortunate timing during the golf tournament. “Maybe there was some divine intervention out there on hole No. 8,” he said with a laugh. “Either way, it was meant to do some good.”
This act of generosity serves as a reminder of the positive impact individuals can have on their communities, especially in times of need.