Calling all golfers
Rehab Services seeks golfers, supporters for marathon eventBy JILL SCHRAMM, Staff Writer, jschramm@minotdailynews.com
Article Photos
Terry Peterson is willing to golf for 24 straight hours for his employer, Rehab Services Inc., because he believes in the nonprofit agency's mission.
Peterson plans to get an early start on the golf marathon that Rehab Services is holding Aug. 8 by teeing off the previous evening. As co-chairman of the fund-raising event, Peterson isn't expecting other marathon participants match that level of commitment, but he is looking for more people willing to donate a Friday to the cause.
"Swinging for Solutions," a 100-hole event, begins with registration at 7 a.m., at Wildwood Golf Course near Burlington. Rehab Services hopes to raise more than $30,000 to support its programs for people with disabilities.
Rehab Services still has openings for golfers in the 10-team marathon. Peterson said some last-minute changes have opened a couple of team slots. People can call Rehab Services at 839-4240 or e-mail rsi2@srt.com to register a team or get placed on a team.
Each team will have four members who advance one ball through 100 holes.
Peterson said people don't have to be expert golfers or even avid golfers. Someone willing to serve as caddy and maybe take a few swings at the ball can find a place on a team.
The emphasis is on fund-raising skills more than golfing ability. Participants are encouraged to raise at least $1,000 in pledges. Prizes of between $500 and $1,000 will be awarded to the top three fund-raisers. Other prizes also will be awarded.
Rehab Services is a Minot organization founded in 1988 to provide supported employment services to people with disabilities. It now has nine programs in areas such as employment and housing for people with disabilities and addiction services.
Although it operates largely on grants and state contract fees, it requires additional help from donations to meet its clients' needs.
"Fund-raising is a necessity," Peterson said. "Funds raised from this will go toward any number of things, as well as possibly new programs."
He said Rehab Services helps more than 2,000 people statewide.
"I don't think people in Minot really realize the scope of our services, but some do, and those people who do, they are behind us and believe in the services and our work. They are the people who are participating in this golf marathon," Peterson said.
Rehab Services welcomes people to contact the agency if interested in donating a per-hole pledge of any amount. If they don't have a specific golfer they want to support, they can make a general donation, even if its just 10 or 25 cents a hole, Peterson said.
"It's a nice way for quite a few people to make very small donations but it will help us significantly," he said.
People also are encouraged to come out as spectators and support the teams.
