Chapin Community Bands Together for “Appreciation Day” for Local Man Facing Gambling Charges
The small town of Chapin is gearing up for a heartfelt event in honor of one of their own. Friends and supporters of Lanny Ray Gunter II are organizing an exciting day filled with camaraderie and golf, aptly named the “Lanny Gunter Appreciation Day and Golf Outing”. Set to take place on February 11 at Mid-Carolina Country Club in Prosperity, the event aims to lift the spirits of Gunter, who is currently facing the consequences of his involvement in a recent gambling case.
A Tough Situation
Lanny Gunter, a 42-year-old local businessman, was recently sentenced to five months in federal prison and an additional five months of home confinement for engaging in an illegal gambling operation in the Columbia area. Alongside his prison time, he was hit with a $10,000 fine by a federal judge earlier this January. This has been a whirlwind of events for Gunter, who is known in the community as a devoted family man with a strong moral compass.
To add further intrigue to the case, two of Gunter’s co-defendants, Harry Bruce Benenhaley, 66, and Ronald Dale Spence, 61, received five years of probation, including six months of home confinement and fines of $2,000 each. Investigators hint that as many as a dozen more individuals might soon face similar charges related to this gambling operation.
Friends Rally Around Gunter
The upcoming appreciation day is not just about supporting Gunter during a challenging time, but also about recognizing the goodness he has brought to the community. One of his best friends, Chris Dorsey, emphasized that Gunter is a good-natured family man who has consistently engaged in charitable work. Gunter has also been involved in community initiatives, such as “Pray 4 Kennedy,” and has hosted prayer breakfasts for children at his home, reflecting his commitment to bettering the lives of others.
All three defendants, including Gunter, pled guilty back in October to charges of running an illegal gambling business; they agreed to cooperate with authorities, providing information on others entangled in these activities. It’s been suggested that this investigation possibly emerged from connections to a notorious 2012 double murder in Irmo, where prior gambling activities were linked to a suspect.
Add some drama to the story: it appears Gunter might have lent $5,000 to the murder suspect, Brett Parker, to help him with starting a sports betting venture. Gunter is not just a man of controversy; he also owns or co-owns several enterprises, including the popular Wild Hare bars, a T-shirt company, and a restaurant.
Golf Outing Details
Now, back to the appreciation day – participation is set at $100 per individual or $400 for a team, with hopes of assembling 20 to 25 foursomes. Proceeds from this feel-good event will directly benefit The Hare Cares Foundation, an organization formed to provide financial aid to those in need throughout the Midlands. They’ll review aid requests based on individual family situations and available funds, ensuring the help goes to those who truly need it.
As Lanny Gunter prepares to start his prison term in March, his community shows that they stand by him, ready to lift him up during a tough ordeal. It’s a poignant reminder of the bonds of friendship and support that flourish even in difficult times.
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
