The St. Croix Marine Corps Association is looking for a few good men and women golfers to play in the Toys for Tots 14th Annual Golf Tournament.
The goal for the the association in this fundraiser is to help needy children in the Virgin Islands have a joyful experience at Christmas. Over the years, thousands of children have benefited from the program. The association raises funds, then gives checks to Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and the Women’s Coalition. The funds also go to Angel Tree, which give presents to children of incarcerated parents.
"Giving directly to these organizations helps underprivileged children get what they need, not just toys," said George St. Rose, president of the local association. "They then buy what the children need such as shoes, clothing, school supplies and food."
This year’s tournament takes place Oct. 4 at Carambola Golf Course, with tee times beginning at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $125 per person and includes greens fees for 18 holes, a cart, goody bags and luncheon. The lunch menu consists of barbecue chicken, sausage with onions and peppers, Italian subs, potato salad, coleslaw and brownies. Drinks will be available for purchase.
The format will be four-person teams, best ball, with a shotgun start. There are four chances to win $10,000 for a hole in one. Winners will receive hand-made plaques with the Marine Corp insignia by local glass artist Jan Mitchell.
Organizers are looking for hole sponsorships and raffle prizes, St. Rose said. Everything involved is very expensive, from the goody bags to hats, balls, mailing lists and plaques.
"These expenses can eat into our profits for the kids," he said. "We have raffle prizes such as diving certificates, dinners, jewelry and a certificate for services at Sugar Mill Veterinary Center. We are looking for more, though — the more the better. The more prizes, the more raffle tickets we can sell."
For hole sponsorships or to make a donation, tax-deductible checks may be made out to the St. Croix Foundation and specify it is for the the Marine Corps Toys for Tots. Each hole sponsor will have signs at the tee and will be prominently mentioned in promotions, St. Rose said. The sponsors also get tickets for the luncheon.
People are still giving, but not as much as in the past because of the tough economy.
"We all just have to dig a little deeper," St. Rose said. "The Marine Corps motto is ‘semper fidelis’ — always faithful," St. Rose said. "And we are looking for faithful supporters."
All proceeds go directly to Toys for Tots. Local campaign coordinators also conduct an array of activities throughout the year to help needy children in the community.
For more about the association and the golf tournament, call St. Rose at 513-7004. To register a team up until the day of the tournament, call the Carambola pro shop at 778-5638. Golfers are encouraged to register early, St. Rose said.
