By Sean Desmond

Special to The Pilot

At a time when financial woes weigh on many of us, and with Christmas right around the corner, the village of Pinehurst shows why its residents are truly very good human beings.

Pinewild Country Club and Pinehurst Resort and Country Club hosted a one-day charity event called the Ron Lloyd Triathlon Benefit on Thursday, Dec. 6: nine holes of golf on the Azalea Course at Pinewild Country Club, and croquet at the resort, coupled with a silent auction party after the day's sports.

Ron Lloyd was the director of lawn sports and croquet at Pinehurst Resort for 13 years. A serious illness forced him to retire from his duties, but bills still arrive in the mail. Doctors still need to be consulted, and they too have fees.

Rewind 45 days ago, when local real estate agent Larry Demolet, and a local teaching professional, Brian "Wally" Lally, both friends of Ron's, had an idea. Why not have a charity event to try to offset some of the bills?

Now normally, events this small and personal will raise anywhere between $2,500 and $5,000 after expenses. That's where this story takes a turn.

Pinewild Country Club of Pinehurst donated a golf course; Pinehurst Resort and Country Club donated their croquet courts; Maxie's Grill and Taproom donated its entire facility for the post-event party and silent auction; and Sheldon Mooney donated his time to provide food on the first tee for all participants.

Participants, donations, local good will all came together in an incredibly short span of time.

"The outcome was one like I have never witnessed," says an organizer. "Not one unhappy person, not one negative comment, just a group of people getting together for a truly wonderful cause."

No prizes were given.

"Everyone played and supported this event for a friend who is very sick," says the organizer. "Danny Honeycutt, the No. 1 ranked croquet player in the United States, came for a day to support a friend. So, that is how Pinehurst residents put aside their personal issues, focus on what is truly important for one day ... a sick friend, his future (and ours) and just being a good person.

"For all of you who participated, donated, volunteered and just showed up, thank you. You truly made a big difference and showed that such a wonderful place to live, a small village with big hearts, can truly create miracles."