The fifth annual Backyard Bocce Bash "rolled" out the final summer event for Sandhills Children's Center while also "rolling" in the new school year.

On Saturday, Aug. 18, more than 150 participants gathered at the Pinehurst Harness Track to play a fun and competitive round of bocce to benefit the children at Sandhills Children's Center.

The event included a pairings party on Aug. 17 at the Children's Center, sponsored by Weichert Realtors-Larose and Company, where players and their teams had the opportunity to learn the game and practice for the next day's big tournament.

Golf Pride, a fearless foursome made up of Wright Chandler, Bob Cresante, Jamie Kettlety and Bill Wood, were awarded the honor of the 2012 Backyard Bocce Bash Champions.

The 2012 recipients of the Backyard Bocce Bash Loser's Cup was Soup Du Jour, a strong team made up of Dennie McLauglin, Joe Wittmer, Casey Coleman and Rob McVay.

"We would like to extend a huge thanks to all of the Backyard Bocce Bash players who made Saturday a fun day to be in Pinehurst," said Teresa Copper, director of events and community relations for the center. "Everyone who participated, both players and volunteers, helped to make dreams come true for special children."

Sandhills Children's Center is a private, nonprofit organization that offers an inclusive child developmental day program for children with and without special developmental needs, ages birth through 5, 12 months a year. The center has two campus locations, one in Southern Pines and one in Rockingham, and currently serves more than 350 children on a daily basis.

The center hosts annual special events year-round, with their next event being the 16th Annual Festival of Trees at the Carolina Hotel in Pinehurst Nov. 6-11.

"Our Festival of Trees is the largest event of the year," Copper said. "This is the next opportunity for the community to make dreams come true for special children. And trust me; you don't want to miss out on the festivities this year."

For more information on Sandhills Children's Center, visit www.sandhillschildrens center.org.

For more information on the Festival of Trees, contact Teresa Copper at (910) 692-3323 or fot@sandhills childrenscenter.org.