Saturday, Jul. 04, 2009

Maple Ridge golf tourney to benefit Open Door

The board of Open Door Community House is sponsoring the second annual “Open Door Open” on July 14 at Maple Ridge Golf Course.

Open Door, a ministry of the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, provides various social services to low-income residents.

“Our goal is to net $15,000,” said Donna Harper of Rose Hill United Methodist Church, who’s helping organize this fundraiser. “Team entry fees will go directly to programming and general operating needs of Open Door.” This direct assistance is possible because of a tournament sponsor, Brown Brothers Sand Company in Junction City, Ga. Additional sponsors are being sought. Corporate hole sponsorships are $950, and a tee box sponsorship is $100.

Lunch begins at noon the day of the tournament. Tee time is 1 p.m. Prizes will be awarded, including longest drive and closest to the hole.

Fourteen teams participated in the inaugural event last year, raising $10,000.

“In this recessionary-minded climate, locating resources is a tedious and laborious and never-ending job,” Harper said. “Many of our programs are partly funded by specific grants for which we are very grateful. However, more than ever, as we have the pending expense of capital improvements to address, funding the general operating budget really depends greatly on commitments of community-minded citizens.”

Founded in 1935, Open Door — on Second Avenue, next to the Riverwalk — is gearing up for a capital campaign that will address needed repairs to its campus.

As for the tournament, it costs $100 to play, or $400 per four-person team.

Golfers will receive free range balls for the practice tee and gift bags.

The deadline for sponsorships is Friday. The player/team deadline is July 12.

Among the assistance provided by Open Door: a transitional home for women and children; a clothing bank and food pantry; a showering and breakfast program for the homeless; counseling; tutoring; programs for seniors; and a culinary school for the homeless, in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of the Chattahoochee Valley. In addition to the United Methodist Church, the United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley is a partner agency of Open Door.

The Rev. Kim Jenkins is the executive director of Open Door.

Call 706-323-5518 to register for the tournament.