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On March 25 and 26, 2025, the Southwind Plantation hunting grounds came alive with excitement as the community gathered for a day of camaraderie and support for the Bainbridge Bearcats football and baseball team. The annual event, filled with quail hunting, fellowship, and laughter, proved to be a success, raising an impressive $12,000 to support the Touchdown Club and $13,000 to support the Dugout Club. 

The Southwind Plantation quail hunt fundraiser is a yearly tradition. This event blends the excitement of quail hunting with a charitable purpose, raising funds to benefit local organizations, sports teams, and community projects. 

 The Touchdown and Dugout Club benefited from numerous generous contributions, with notable donations from Adrienne Mouch of Pacific Land, Book Cook of Stone’s, Chip Davis of Family Bank, Clint Beckham of Burgundy Timber, Daniel Barnard, Daylon Bowne of Nutrien, Doug Lake, Earl Boyett of Circle B Construction, Garet Franklin of Franklin Spring Creek Ford, Hank Alexander, Jackson Dodd, Jeff Rich, Kyle Staples of First Port City Bank, People South Bank, Ray Moorman of Moorman Infrastructure, Robert Glover, Ryan Kelley of Advance Concrete, Stan Deal, Steve Long, and Woody Folsom.

Amid the serene beauty of the plantation landscape, locals gathered to celebrate tradition and contribute to their beloved football program. Mr. Tim Smith and his family, dedicated hosts, welcomed everyone warmly, making it a truly special event. “Go Bearcats!” resonated as attendees celebrated their shared love for the team and community.

The fundraiser operates around the sale of jeeps, each priced at $1,500, providing a unique and exciting opportunity for participants to hunt for quails while utilizing the vehicles. The structure of the fundraiser ensures that each jeep can accommodate any number of individuals eager to partake in the quail-hunting experience. 

For every jeep sold, $1,000 is allocated to either the Dugout Club or the Touchdown Club, serving as an essential source of financial backing for their efforts while inspiring participants’ adventurous quail-hunting spirit.

Head football coach Jay Walls expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who participated and to those who helped make the event possible. “This annual tradition is truly special,” he said. “The weather cooperated, and we were able to reschedule seamlessly. Events like this are critical for our program, helping us achieve our goals and prepare for a stronger season ahead.”

Walls also shared updates on the Bearcats’ offseason, highlighting their progress in speed and strength training as they gear up for spring football starting May 1st. “We’re getting stronger, faster, bigger—and we’re going to be better next year. Thank you for your continued support.”

Touchdown Club President, Chamber of Commerce President, and First National Bank Market President Bert Hines echoed Walls’ sentiments: “This is one of our biggest fundraisers, and it’s first-class thanks to Tim and his staff,” he said. “Feeding, clothing, and equipping our 85 to 90 players takes a lot, and without events like this and our in-season fundraisers, that’s not possible. Thank you, we appreciate it.” 

The following day at SouthWind Plantation, the Bainbridge community united for day two of quail hunting that not only celebrated fellowship but also provided tremendous support for the Dugout Club. The event raised an impressive $13,000 to benefit local baseball programs in Bainbridge.

As the afternoon unfolded, heartfelt words of gratitude poured forth from the Dugout Club and its supporters. The Dugout Club emphasized the significance of these contributions to both the middle school and high school teams, ensuring they have the resources necessary to excel.

On behalf of the Dugout Club, they acknowledged that the funds would help cover essentials such as equipment, uniforms, and safety measures for all student-athletes. “Sports teams require significant support to keep everything running,” a representative shared. “This fundraiser provides kids with the opportunities they need to be the best they can be, and we are incredibly thankful.”

Mr. Tim Smith and his team at SouthWind Plantation were also praised for their commitment to hosting the annual event. “Tim’s hospitality is unmatched,” the Dugout Club added. “We couldn’t ask for a more gracious host. Year after year, SouthWind Plantation shows its dedication to our community and its youth.”

With the help of SouthWind Plantation and its supporters, the Dugout Club is setting its sights on a brighter future, ensuring baseball programs continue to flourish and inspire athletes of all ages. This $13,000 gift serves as a reminder that meaningful progress is made not only through effort on the field but also through the unwavering backing of a community united in purpose.