UNITED WAY Teeing off to raise money

The golf classic also has an option for nongolfers, a spokesman said.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Volunteers with the United Way of Trumbull County aren't afraid to try new things.
Last year, the organization sponsored a basket raffle in an effort to drum up interest in and funding for the nonprofit agency. This year, they are ready to head outdoors.
United Way of Trumbull County will present Tee-off to the Kickoff -- its inaugural charity golf classic -- beginning at 1 p.m. July 26 at the Trumbull Country Club in Warren.
"We look at the United Way like a stool with three legs," explained Chris Malanga, director of communication for the agency. "One leg is our fund raising through payroll deductions, the second is our corporate gifts, and the third is special events."
It's through special events that United Way has worked to reach people throughout the community that may not normally be involved with the organization, he added.
Largest event
But this year's event is one of the largest in scope that the agency has undertaken, Malanga noted.
"It's the first time we've ever done something like this," he said. "But so far, it seems to be going pretty well."
The event features a four-person scramble with a shotgun start. Throughout the event there will also be food, prizes, contests and more.
The open is open to anyone, not just residents of Trumbull County. All money raised from the golf classic will benefit more than 140 health and human service programs in Trumbull County.
The entry fee is $650 per team, or $175 per person, which includes 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, a steak dinner, beverages and giveaways.
Prizes
There will be a contest on each hole, including three hole-in-one shots for prizes valued from $5,000 to $30,000. First-, second- and third-place teams will win gift certificates from the Trumbull Country Club pro shop.
But the event is not designed solely for golfers, Malanga explained.
"If there are spouses of golfers, or other people who want to come support the event but not actually golf, there is a dinner-only option too," he said.
For $45, participants can skip the golf course and head straight to the steak dinner after the event, he said.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available at a variety of levels. The chairman's package features a golf foursome, hole and cart sponsorship for $1,000.
For more information, to register for the golf classic or to secure a sponsorship, contact the United Way of Trumbull County at (330) 369-1000, or visit the Web site at www.unitedwaytrumbull.org.
slshaulis@vindy.com