Charity golf tournament to raise money for Fort Scott chamber

By Jason E. Silvers

The Fort Scott Tribune

Dozens of area golfers are set to hit the links next month to raise money for the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber officials are currently accepting registrations for the upcoming 14th Annual FSACC Golf Classic, which is scheduled to begin at 12:45 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, at the Fort Scott Country Club, 2414 Horton St. About 60 area golfers turn out to play in the tournament each year, according to chamber member Mark McCoy, who is also co-chairman of the tournament.

Each year, the event provides entertainment and a chance for participants to network with other members of the business community. Proceeds from the tournament go into the chamber's general operating fund to pay for current and future chamber projects and activities, FSACC President and CEO Vicki Pritchett said.

"It helps with our operating expenses, programs, and various functions of the chamber that our members depend on," Pritchett said. "It's (the fundraiser) budgeted as part of our income. There is not a specific account for the money. It all goes into the general fund to support the chamber."

Last year's golf tournament was successful in raising about $3,000 for the chamber, a slight increase in money raised from the previous year, Pritchett said.

"It was up from the year before by about $400," she said. "It's (tournament) not our biggest (fundraiser), but it is still a significant fundraiser each year."

McCoy said the event is key in providing needed funding for chamber operations.

"Some of it (funds) will be going toward the Christmas parade, and some of it will benefit downtown projects," McCoy said. "Without these funds, we don't have enough money to run the chamber. It also helps our local businesses and industries with their operations."

This year's tournament will include prizes for three places in two flights, hole contests, and a raffle. Pritchett added that chamber officials encourage local businesses to contribute to the event, whether it be sponsorship money, raffle items, or money for tournament prizes.

Registration for the event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, with the tournament scheduled to begin at 12:45 p.m. Lunch for participants will be included, and is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. that day. A raffle and brief awards ceremony will follow the tournament. The cost to enter a four-person team in the tournament is $220.

Sponsorships for the event are available at various levels; $50, $200, and $500. Each level includes various benefits for the donor, such as hole sponsorship and recognition at the event.

For more information, or to register a team, call the chamber at (620) 223-3566, or visit the chamber office at 231 E. Wall St. All sponsor donations and registration forms must be turned in to the chamber by Aug. 1.