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Golf fundraiser set for Friday for Big Brothers Big Sisters

BY JOHN D. HOMAN, THE SOUTHERN

Sunday, August 3, 2008 10:48 PM CDT

MARION - Openings remain for the first Big Brothers Big Sisters Golf Tournament fundraiser Friday at Franklin County Country Club in West Frankfort.

Event coordinator Dave Sluzevich said 11 four-person teams have committed to play, but he would like to see at least seven more teams join the fray this week.

"I would like us to have one team teeing off on each hole. That would be great for a first year," Sluzevich said. "And if you don't have a team to play on but would still like to play, come on out. We'll get you on a team."

Cost to play is $100 per individual or $400 per team. The fee includes 18 holes of golf, the use of a cart, lunch and beverages. A prize pack will also be distributed to each golfer and there will be individual and team awards, as well as a 50/50 cash drawing.

Those people who prefer not to play but want to chip in for the charity may sponsor a hole for $100. A $250 sponsorship gets the donor a banner that will be displayed on the course. A $25 contribution will pay for an electric cart sponsorship. A $1,000 donation would allow for the sponsorship of all the carts and a $2,500 donation translates to an event sponsorship and additional recognition.

Curt Lee, pro shop manager at Franklin County Country Club, is helping to promote the event and secure teams for the tourney.

"It's like I told Dave, an event like this takes a couple of years to get established," Lee said. "Once people know who you are and how worthy your cause is, the players will keep coming back every year."

Sluzevich said registration Friday is at 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch. Tee time is at 1 p.m. Monies raised from the tourney, he said, will aid in the recruitment and training of new Big Brothers or Big Sisters who will serve as mentors to young children.

Sluzevich said 55 children are on a waiting list for a Big Brother or Big Sister, so the need is great, especially for male leadership, he said.

For more information about the golf outing, contact Sluzevich at 927-7555 and for information about becoming a mentor, call Chris King, program director, at 997-5336 x6430.

john.homan@thesouthern.com

351-5805