Its almost time for the annual Tomato Open golf tournament and live auction.
Each year, the tournament and auction benefit the Edisto Island Open Land Trust, which is an organization committed to preserving the islands lands, heritage, resources, and scenic vistas.
Before the golf tournament begins, the weekend kicks off with a cocktail party and live auction. This year, it will begin at 6:30 p.m. June 20.
The auction takes place at Grovers Restaurant, which is located in Wyndham Ocean Ridge at the Plantation Course. There will be a full, open bar along with hors doeuvres.
Those in attendance can bid on items that include vacations, hunting trips, fishing adventures, artwork, weekend packages featuring downtown Charleston, wood carvings, and more.
Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased by calling EIOLT at 843-869-9004 or by going online to www.edisto.org.
On Saturday, the golf tournament begins at 8:45 a.m. at the Plantation Course located in Wyndham Ocean Ridge. Teams could register for $600, individuals can register for $150, though the golf portion is now SOLD OUT.
Awards are given to flight winners and those who get a hole-in-one. The prizes include a new car, million dollar shoot out, and more. All awards will be given out during a luncheon. Raffle prizes also will be drawn.
Several local businesses sponsored the event, including the Bi-Lo, Po-Pigs, Edisto Realty, Atwood Vacations, The Huffines Company, Edisto Real Estate Company, Carolina One, and many others
The EIOLT can be thanked for helping to keep Edisto Island the way it is. The group was formed in 1994 by locals and property owners who wanted to make sure that the island didnt lose its natural charm and beauty to commercialization.
Many people that support the organization donate their property or retain their property, but put it in a conservation easement. The conservation easement means that individuals continue to own their property, but future development rights are restricted, even as the property moves down the line to new generations.
Much of the land that is protected is on private property, but visitors and locals can see the benefits of land preservation each time they drive down Highway 174 and see the Mystery Tree and marsh views. In fact, an estimated 51% of the islands land is conserved through EIOLT and other conservation organizations.
If you want to support the mission of the EIOLT, check out the events of the Tomato Open weekend or one of its many other events throughout the year.
