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K2 Solutions, Inc. recently hosted its 3rd Annual Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) Golf Tournament at the Country Club of North Carolina. More than $135,000 was raised for this important charity, which provides scholarship grants to the children and families of Special Operations Warfighters killed or injured in the line of military or training duty.

K2, based in Southern Pines, has hosted this 10-year-old tournament for three consecutive years, resulting in the donation of more than $250,000, which translates to full college tuition for three children. This annual tournament signifies one of the major charitable events conducted by K2 in support of its military and local community.

“With more than half of K2’s employee base made up of Special Operations veterans and family members of Special Operations Force soldiers, there is no greater beneficiary of our efforts than family members of those who make the ultimate sacrifice,” said Lane Kjellsen, K2’s founder and majority owner. “K2 is a company established on the premise of continued service to our country whose proximity and relationship with Fort Bragg and its hub of Special Operations units lends itself to this significant fund-raising effort spearheaded by the full force of K2 personnel and resources.”

Highlights of this year’s tournament included the testimonial of Kathy Fernandez, a widow of Special Operations Master Sergeant Andy Fernandez, who was killed in the line of duty in April 2003. Master Sergeant Fernandez heroically sacrificed his life during a firefight with Baath Republicans to save the other members of his unit. He left behind a 16-month old son, Will, who attended the tournament as a special guest. Will, who celebrates his 10th birthday this year, will receive a full college scholarship grant — something his mother thought she would never be able to provide. In addition to the Fernandez family, numerous other Special Operations veterans as well as SOWF Board members, Andy Anderson and Dick Davis, participated in the tournament to celebrate the Foundation and help raise this substantial amount of funds.

“An increased Special Operations Forces presence around the globe requires us to be forever vigilant in supporting and protecting those who are left behind,” said Dave Whitmire, K2’s President and CEO. “K2 is proud to commemorate the ultimate sacrifice these warfighters make by helping to facilitate programs and causes like the SOWF that contribute to the well-being of their families.”

This year’s tournament was held on Sept. 7 at the Country Club of North Carolina, and will return to the same venue next year. Sponsors and participants were provided a full breakfast and dinner, along with world-class golf at one of North Carolina’s premiere private facilities. The Dogwood course at CCNC is well known as the playground of recent PGA Tour breakout star, Webb Simpson and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s own Roy Williams.

For information on attending or sponsoring next year’s tournament, visit www.k2si.com.