Pavlik puts punch into golf benefit

Pavlik, Akron Children’s Hospital and Bedford Trails are teaming up.

Vindicator staff report

LOWELLVILLE — A few months ago, Andrew Grishow, the owner of Bedford Trails Golf Course, approached one of his best customers, Kelly Pavlik, with an offer: Pavlik and his friends could have the course for one day this summer.

“Well before I was the champ, those guys at Bedford Trails took care of me,” said the middleweight boxing champion. “So I said, ‘Why not pump up their golf course and do a little charity work, too?’ ”

So Pavlik teamed up with Akron Children’s Hospital, which is building a satellite hospital in Boardman, for the first of what is expected to be an annual golf benefit at Bedford Trails.

The bad news is all 38 team spots for the Aug. 1 tournament have been filled.

The good news, help is still needed. They’re looking for hole sponsors, as well as donations for the silent auction.

Cartoonist Jerry King donated 18 golf cartoons, which were signed by Pavlik, and several athletes have already donated merchandise. Also, area native Jeff Wilkins, who recently retired as a kicker for the St. Louis Rams, is expected to make an appearance.

But they could always use more, whether it’s a sponsorship, gift certificates or autographed merchandise. So, if you happen to have an extra LeBron James autographed basketball around ...

“Yeah, bring it in,” said tournament director Lori Greenwalt.

Although it’s not official, Greenwalt said she’d like to hold the tournament every year, possibly expanding it to 72 teams next year.

All the proceeds will stay in the Valley and the money will be used for a variety of things, from purchasing hospital equipment to providing care for children whose parents don’t have insurance.

“They approached us, wanting to help out and to be honest, we were honored,” said Pam Holtz, director of foundation marketing for the hospital. “They have been absolutely awesome to work with.

“Without people like them, we wouldn’t be able to do the work that we do.”

If you’d like to help, call Greenwalt, owner of East Side Civics, at either (330) 788-7980 or 727-8278.