2026 Putting for Pups Golf Tournament
2026 Putting for Pups Golf Tournament
Connected CU partnered with Rescue Charlie’s Friends to host the organization’s second annual Putting for Pups Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 6 at Summit Spring Golf Course in Poland, Maine. The event generated an incredible $19,700, nearly tripling the previous year’s results and helping support animal rescue efforts and expanded access to veterinary care throughout Maine.
The tournament brought together community members, local businesses, and animal advocates for a day of golf, contests, raffles, silent auction items, and fundraising activities, all benefiting Rescue Charlie’s Friends. The volunteer-based dog rescue organization rescues and rehomes more than 600 dogs annually from the South while also providing affordable veterinary services through its community clinic program, which is held on select weekdays throughout the month.
In 2025 alone, Rescue Charlie’s Friends’ community clinic provided care to 464 dogs, 234 cats, two pigs, and one sassy bird, helping pet owners throughout the region access much-needed veterinary services, including spaying and neutering, dental care, annual vaccinations, and more.
This year’s tournament was especially meaningful as Rescue Charlie’s Friends is currently raising $40,000 to purchase its own digital X-ray machine. The equipment will significantly expand diagnostic capabilities for both rescue animals and community pets receiving care through the organization’s clinics, allowing the rescue to provide more comprehensive services without relying on outside facilities.
After raising just over $7,000 during the inaugural tournament in 2025, organizers set an ambitious goal of raising $10,000 this year. Thanks to overwhelming community support, that goal was nearly doubled, with total proceeds reaching $19,700, almost three times the amount raised during the tournament’s first year.
“One of the things I love most about both the credit union movement and animal rescue is seeing what can happen when people come together around a common purpose,” said Kristen Poremby, President and CEO of Connected CU and events and fundraising coordinator for Rescue Charlie’s Friends. “The generosity we experienced throughout this event was incredible. These funds will not only help us continue rescuing animals, but will also strengthen the veterinary services we provide to hundreds of pets in our communities each year.”
Connected CU served as the tournament’s presenting sponsor and provided employee volunteers throughout the day, reflecting the credit union philosophy of People Helping People.
Rescue Charlie’s Friends extends its gratitude to Summit Spring Golf Course, Dr. Steve Kinney, the many sponsoring businesses, volunteers, golfers, and supporters who helped make the event a success.
With record-breaking results in its second year, the entire Putting for Pups volunteer crew is looking forward to an even more successful 2027.
Disclaimer: Any reference made in this blog to a specific product, process, or service does not constitute or imply an endorsement by Connected Credit Union of the product, process, or service, or its producer or provider.
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