Via Community News Service, a VTSU-Castleton internship, for Rutland Herald
RUTLAND — Family and friends of the late Rutland resident, Dawn Carlson, hope a recent fundraiser held in her memory will become an annual tradition.
On April 4, Carlson’s family and friends partnered with Rutland County and Relay for Life to hold the inaugural Dawn Carlson Memorial Indoor Golf Tournament at Stonehedge Indoor Golf in Rutland, raising over $7,000 for Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society while celebrating the life of an individual who inspired the community.
The event featured teams that participated in a golf tournament to celebrate not only the life of Carlson — who passed away from metastatic cancer in May 2025 — but to recognize other families affected by cancer. According to organizers, it was made possible by the generosity of hole sponsors, prize donors and silent auction contributors from across the county.
The tournament inspired spirited competition, outstanding sportsmanship and a strong sense of community, said Nicole Jorgenson, senior development manager at the American Cancer Society.
“A three-way tie for first place at 16 under par led to an exciting tie-breaker process based on hole handicaps,” she said.
The event featured four teams that competed in the tournament, but additional side-bet competitions added to the excitement, according to Jorgenson.
Jorgenson said this will be the final event of each indoor golf season at Stonehedge for years to come, and plans are already underway for 2027’s annual tournament.
Organizers extended special thanks to the local businesses, fire departments, service organizations and individual supporters whose contributions made the tournament a success.
Shawn Bendig, owner of Stonehedge Indoor Golf, added that he wanted to thank all the local businesses that supported the event and the three golf courses that donated prizes to the winners — Rutland Country Club, Neshobe Golf Course and Millstone Golf Course.
According to Jorgenson, Carlson — who was a paraeducator for Rutland City Public Schools known for her dedication to children’s education and fighting for the rights of paraeducators — “had a huge impact on the Rutland community,” which she said also contributed to the event’s success.
“Dawn was a truly special person,” event organizers said. “Our hope is that this tournament will continue annually to honor who she was, recognize her fight, and shine a light on the continued need for resources to combat cancer.”