Although the Olympics have come to a close, there is still a great team to root for right here in Lincoln County — Team Deacon Bob.

On Aug. 18, the 3rd annual Deacon Bob Racicot Open charity golf tournament will be held at the beautiful Inn of the Mountain Gods Championship Golf Course, and while competition is a trademark of all sporting events, this is one event that showcases the cooperation and true sportsmanship of the Lincoln County communities.

Many country clubs and golf courses near Ruidoso have outdone themselves with the wonderful silent auction items they have donated to ensure the success of this tournament, which benefits HEAL and The Nest Domestic Violence Shelter in Ruidoso Downs.

HEAL appreciates the local golf professionals who unite to support the shelter during this event. Thanks to the pros at Rainmakers, Cree Meadows, the Links at Sierra Blanca and Alto Lakes Golf and Country Club, there will be several items available at the auction, including 10 rounds of golf and carts, polo golf shirts, a Frogg Togs rainsuit, golf mug set, crystal wine glasses and decanter, two pairs of new golf shoes, a new putter and chipping wedge, a Taylormade golf bag, a hard-sided golf club traveling case, golf sweaters and a decorative golf phone and clock.

In addition to the golf-specific items, local businesses have also donated many items. Jewelry from Coyote Howling and Adobe, a Good Luck Kitchen Rooster from Candle Power, Dimples Bay Booties and baby bear gift set from Tonya Huber and numerous gift certificates have been donated. Enjoy an hour-long massage from local favorite Jessica Sherman, car maintenance from Western Auto, store merchandise from Ace Hardware and J. Roberts, hair styling from Hill on the Salon/Rita and a beautiful hand-carved wooden awareness ribbon by Haylee Skaggs.

“We were astounded by the generosity of the donors,” said Tonya Huber, co-owner of Coyote Howling and chair of the Silent Auction Committee. “People here really understand the importance of the Nest and found a way to donate remarkably high quality items. We were deeply touched.”

You don’t need to be an expert golfer to enter and enjoy this charity event. Just get registered and prepare for a day of fun. If you don’t think you have the right equipment, or are just in need of one more special club, check out Sweet Charity Resale Boutique on US Highway 70 in Ruidoso Downs. They just happen to have several golf bags and clubs recently donated. All proceeds from Sweet Charity also go to support the Nest.

If you are interested in the amazing array of items available for the Silent Auction, but aren’t a golfer, feel free to stop by the tent area near the IMG Pro Shop and bid on the silent auction items. It will be open to the public from noon to 6pm. You might even get your Christmas shopping finished before the “last minute rush” this year.

And remember, this is a worthwhile cause that can help change the future for generations to come. We all know that what goes around, comes around. Let’s all work together to save a family today so tomorrow’s children can envision and enjoy a life free from violence in their home. We can do it.

It is the dream of Deacon Bob Racicot.