Sign up to tee off for cancer, deadline is tomorrow

The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life is set for May, but ahead of the event, meetings are held, teams of volunteers put together and work begins to raise money for the event.

March is a month for two important fundraisers supporting cancer survivors and those who have lost a loved one to the disease.

Team Cancer Tees Me Off has staged a golf tournament, but without a single sign-up — not for sponsoring a hole, and not to enter the tournament. The event is set for March 22, but the deadline to sponsor a hole for $50, or play the Mountain Falls tourney is tomorrow, Feb. 27.

Organizer Kathy Butkovich said she tried to host a tournament last fall, but had no success. “I’ve been working on this one for the past six months. I don’t know what else I can do.” She said articles have appeared in other publications, flyers are posted in a few places around town and she interviewed with Channel 46 last week to get the message out.

The fact there is no sign-up deadline on the flyer is problematic.

It’s true, there are other organizations utilizing the golf course for fundraising functions, this was the only time available to her. If she doesn’t get at least a few hole sponsors and at least 30 golfers signed up in advance to play the tournament, Mountain Falls will be forced to cancel the event.

“The high school is using the course, the No to Abuse organization is holding a golf tournament, too.”

Butkovich said her sponsorship fees are low and so is the fee to play. “I’m not trying to gouge anyone. We stand to make about $20 per person for Cancer Tees Me Off.”

The $75 entry fee includes, green fees, golf cart rental, range balls and a buffet-style lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs, baked beans, chips, lemonade or iced tea and condiments.

Those who are members of Mountain Falls can enter for $70. Additional entries will pay $80 if they wait until the day of the event to sign up.

Teams will consist of four players each with a shotgun start. Butkovich said there will be placement for those who want to play but don’t have a four-person team.

Other fundraising events include a 50/50 drawing and prizes will be awarded for the longest drive and the first-place team.

To get involved, call Butkovich at 702-527-9829.

The other fundraiser is set for Tuesday, March 4 at the Moose Lodge, 1100 Second Street.

The Mask Out Cancer Mardi Gras Party will begin at 6 p.m. and organizer Chanda Wieland said even though the benefit is being held at the Moose Lodge, which is normally open to members only, this event is open to everyone.

“We held this event last year and were expecting maybe 20 people. We wound up with 60 and it was a great evening.”

Dress for the occasion and bring your Mardi Gras mask for the “Mask Parade. Wieland said everyone parades around the room and the audience picks the winner.

There will be numerous raffles and music.

Relay for Life is set for May 15-17 in Petrack Park.