Golf tourney benefits kids’ activities

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Cedar Rapids Recreation Department wants to provide all youths the chance to participate in the many programs it offers.

The Cedar Rapids Rec Commission hosts a fundraising golf tournament to help cover the costs for families to receive assistance to participate in recreation programs.

The Chip In For Kids golf tournament will be held June 24 at Gardner Golf Course. The cost is $220 per foursome, which includes 18 holes of golf, a team photo and lunch.

"Those funds are used for kids in the area who can't afford to pay for tennis lessons or art classes," said Erin Seely, a member of the C.R. Rec Commission the last seven years. "We assist for some swim passes for some families and HACAP benefits.

"We thought about a good way to raise funds and this is what we came up with."

The tournament was first created in 2008, but last year's event was actually the inaugural event due to the flooding of the Cedar River.

Last year, they raised about $3,000. In the past, the commission has tried to accommodate each application submitted by those needing assistance.

"We haven't denied a request because we have the funds available," Seely said. "Once the funds run out we're in trouble.

"The applications that we have received are starting to increase. Especially after the flood is when we noticed."

The opportunity for the kids to be active is important to the youths and the family.

"It's one less cost to a parent," Seely said. "It keeps them involved in an activity. It keeps kids out of trouble when they're supervised and in a supervised program."

In addition to golf, a silent auction will be held and photo opportunities with former University of Iowa and Drake basketball coach Dr. Tom Davis, who will be participating, will be available for a price. Jim Miller Nissan is also donating a car as a possible hole-in-one prize.

Entries will be accepted until June 19. Event organizers are still looking for sponsors, both individual and corporate. Sponsorships are available for $100 to $2,500.

"We're so low for sponsors right now," Seely said. "I'd be happy to sell somebody one. I'd take them gladly."

For more information, contact Seely at (319) 560-3253.