Sponsors sought for first ever Eric Simmons Golf Tournament, benefiting FosterAdopt Connect

FosterAdopt Connect is searching for sponsors to host its inaugural golf tournament Saturday, Sept. 17, at Ozark Ridge Golf Course to help foster and adoptive children.

The first event is named the Eric Simmons Golf Tournament as a way to "honor the Simmons family for their willingness and desire to adopt a child,” said FosterAdopt Connect Branch Director Mary Haldeman. “Eric Simmons died during a time he and his wife were getting ready to pursue adopting a child.”

Haldeman wants the event to “bring awareness within our community to the great need for local families to consider adopting children who are lingering in foster care, many of whom feel stuck as they fear aging out without a family to call their own. The day of the golf tournament, staff will be available to answer any questions about fostering and adopting.”

The event’s levels of sponsorship vary so many businesses will be able to find a spot to be involved.

Tournament sponsorship levels are Hole-In-One, $3,000; Eagle, $1,000; Birdie, $500; and Hole, $100. There also are team sponsorships for $200 and individuals for $50.

The event will be playing the 4-Person Scramble and male and female golfers are encouraged to attend, Haldeman said.

Each level of sponsorship will give a business or organization visibility to those attending. Signage will be placed at a hole and FosterAdopt Connect website will feature businesses logos and contact information.

Raffle donations are needed.

“We will have items to raffle,including a set of 4 new tires, gift cards and more.” Haldeman said. “We will have prizes for a variety of winners. We will have grilled hot dogs and hamburgers and drinks as part of their sign-up ($50 per person/$200 for the team). Each team will get two golf carts, and volunteers will drive around to golfers with refreshments.

“If you know of a business or individual or organization who may be interested in donating a service, gift card or gift basket for us to raffle the day of the golf tournament we would very much appreciate that as well,” Haldeman said. “If you aren’t able to participate this event, no worries at all! Thank you for the help you’ve given previously and the help you will likely give in the future. The proceeds from this and every fundraising event stays local and helps hundreds of children.”

For those who prefer to sign up on-line, go to the FB page FosterAdopt Connect Poplar Bluff and locate the post about the tournament, click on it, then locate one of two links. One link is to sign up a team to play. The other link is to pay for a sponsorship if you’d like to sponsor the event in any way.

If you prefer to print a paper sign-up for the golf tournament, the paper can be filled out and returned by mail or by dropping it off at FosterAdopt Connect, emailing it to Haldeman or asking for it to be picked it up.

Payment may be made by check, cash or debit or credit card. Card payments may be made by phoning 573-552-4338 and giving information over the phone, or dropping by the office.

FosterAdopt Connect is located at 2198 N. Westwood Blvd. in Poplar Bluff. If one prefers to sign up and pay on-line through the webpage, use: www.cognitoforms.com/FosterAdoptConnect/GolfTournamentSignup.

More information about the program may be obtained at fosteradopt.org.