The Taylor Watford Foundation Hope Cup Golf Tournament is Sept. 24, at Golden Hills Golf Club in Lexington. Proceeds from the tournament go to fight substance abuse.  

The foundation is hosting this year’s tournament in special memory of Seth Vining. He died from an accidental overdose Nov. 14, 2019.  To register to play or sponsor, visit online at TAYLORWATFORDFOUNDATION.ORG.

At the time of his death, Seth’s family thought he was doing well following recent treatment for a substance abuse disorder. The night before he died, he had been to praise band practice at Trinity Baptist Church. His mother, Roberta Vining of West Columbia, said Seth was athletic and health conscious, but he was overtaken by a drug that she said is like a “poisonous viper.”  And, she said, it can happen to anyone, even kids who seem to function well in society.  

“Seth was a supervisor at UPS. He loved to play the guitar and soccer,” Roberta said. ”He was 23 and had transferred to the University of South Carolina. He began drinking socially in college. He then developed a problem with opioids.” The last dose he ever took was laced with Fentanyl, and he accidentally died from a dose three times the normal level. 

“These drugs are deadly,” said Roberta. “It only takes that one time.”  

The heartbreak it leaves behind impacts everyone.  “No one wants to grow up and be a substance abuser,” said Roberta. 

She said it is important to know what to look for and how to come along side loved ones who struggle with substance abuse. “Educate yourself. There are resources available. We also need to let people know how much God loves them and that He can heal all our diseases”, Roberta said.

Since the death of her son, Roberta said some days are particularly hard and that she misses him every single day. But, she knows that Seth believed in Jesus as his Savior, and that he is now safe with Him in heaven forever.

Like Seth, Taylor Watford died in late 2018 of an accidental overdose.

To help deal with their loss, Taylor’s father Jimmy and his sister Jade of West Columbia launched the Taylor Watford Foundation. The foundation has the motto of: “Giving Hope To Life.” 

To help support the fight against substance abuse, the public is invited to participate in the Taylor Watford Foundation Memorial Golf Tournament. For more information on the Sept. 24 event and to register to play or sponsor, visit online at TAYLORWATFORDFOUNDATION.ORG.

From the Foundation:

After losing our beloved son Taylor Watford at the age of 28 to an accidental drug overdose in December 2018, our family and friends are determined to make a difference in the lives of others by aiding in the fight against substance abuse. This past November 2019, our friends, George and Roberta Vining, faced the tragedy of losing their 23 year old son, Seth Vining.  At this time, we invite you to partner with us in the 2nd annual foundation golf tournament on September 24th in memory of both Taylor and Seth. We thank you for your prayers and support. 

How you can participate: Bring a team of 4 players; Sponsor a hole or tent; Donating Prize(s) for the event; Volunteer to work the day of Show up and cheer on our golfers; Monetary Donations

However you wish to participate, we appreciate your support and are looking forward to a fun-filled day of golf while bringing the community together.