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Golf Tourney To Build Habitat's Funding

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune correspondent

Published: September 11, 2008

For the first time, West Pasco Habitat for Humanity will host a fundraising golf tournament Oct. 17 at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club.

The nonprofit housing organization is building its 16th home in Pasco County.

"The West Pasco Habitat for Humanity First Annual Golf Tournament is really one of the key events of the year to raise money to build more homes," said George McCoy, executive director of West Pasco Habitat.

"It will also promote the partnership we want to have with the community," McCoy said.

"It's for a great cause," said Jim Downey, West Pasco Habitat board member, tournament co-organizer, and branch sales manager and vice president of the Trinity office of Colonial Bank.

"All money goes straight to Habitat to build a house for somebody, and the donations are tax-deductible," Downey said.

Downey said it takes $60,000 to $70,000 to build a Habitat house.

With many sources of funding being cut for nonprofit organizations, organizers are looking for new sources of aid.

A fee of $55 before the early bird deadline Monday ($75 after Monday) will entitle golfers to an 18-hole tournament, including green fees and use of a shared cart, door prizes and a catered luncheon and golf awards ceremony afterward.

"This tournament will offer good times and the perfect opportunity for church, business and community groups to get together for a round of golf," McCoy said.

Sponsorships also are available.

For a $1,000 tax-deductible donation, a person or group can sponsor a hole.

This sponsorship will include the placement of the sponsor's name on the green or tee, four free entries to the tournament and inclusion in marketing and advertising related to the event, including acknowledgement in an onsite program and on lunch signage.

Sponsorships also can be split, with each participating sponsor getting its name sign on a green or tee and two free admittances into the tournament.

For $150, a sponsor also will have a sign posted on a putting green and get one free entry.

"We're looking for 144 golfers," Downey said, "a full course."

In addition, donations are needed for goodie bags and drawings.

"We'd love to see golf items like tees and balls, but won't turn anything away," Downey said.

Participation in the golf tournament equals a strong show of support for West Pasco Habitat For Humanity, said Frederic Samson, tournament co-organizer and broker/owner of Coldwell Banker Action Realty.

"For the past three years my company has been a sponsor for West Pasco Habitat For Humanity. We've raised about $35,000 for them and plan to keep on going," he said.

"We believe in this great organization," Samson said.

HABITAT FUNDRAISER

SOME BACKGROUND: The West Pasco Habitat for Humanity First Annual Golf Tournament will kick off with an 8 a.m. shotgun start Oct. 17 at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., New Port Richey.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS: All proceeds from this event will go directly to West Pasco Habitat for Humanity, an organization that, according to www.westpasco habitat.org, is "a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Habitat is dedicated to the elimination of substandard housing worldwide by working in partnership with people in need to build and renovate decent, affordable housing. The houses are then sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged."

A LITTLE HISTORY: West Pasco Habitat for Humanity has served the western half of Pasco County, including the communities of Holiday, Hudson, New Port Richey and Port Richey, since 1990.

WHAT'S NEXT?: Those interested in participating in the tournament may register before Monday to secure a spot and receive a reduced rate. Corporate sponsorships are available and bids are welcomed. The deadline for registration is Oct. 7.

GET INVOLVED: Questions about the tournament can be directed to Jim Downey at Colonial Bank, (727) 376-3655; Frederic Samson at Coldwell Banker Action Realty, (727) 372-9000; or George McCoy at the West Pasco Habitat office, (727) 859-9038 or

wphabitat@yahoo.com.

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