The third annual Kingston Rotary charity golf tournament on June 19. The Swing for the Lights tournament will raise money to construct lighting for the athletic field at the new Kingston High School. So far the campaign has earned more than $27,000 toward the lighting project, but the total costs are estimated at $200,000.
During dark winter months, sports teams and the marching band struggle with very limited practice time because the high school field has no lighting. Teams must play night games at the North Kitsap High School field when schedules permit. Players and fans must deal with time and cost issues of transportation to this location. Lighting the athletic field will benefit not only the school sport teams and band, but also provide a resource for community activities such as peewee football and youth soccer.
The benefit golf tournament will be held at the beautiful White Horse Golf Club in Kingston. Golf Digest Magazine ranked White Horse as one of America’s top 10 new courses when it opened in 2007. Participants will receive lunch, tee prizes, range balls, in addition to burgers, beer and soft drinks when golfing ends. The scramble format is fun for players of all abilities. A handicap system will provide all teams of four a chance to win.
Kinston Rotary is using a different pricing structure for this year’s charity tournament in light of the challenging economic times. Tournament fees for the 2009 event will be $115, significantly less than last year’s $200 fee. However, the $115 fee only covers Rotary’s basic costs and does not include a tax deductible donation. Golfers are encouraged to make a significant donation toward the lights when they register and will also be given ample opportunities to donate that day.
Citizens who want to contribute to the Swing for the Lights campaign can do so in several ways: If you are a golfer, play in the tournament. Your business can become a sponsor of the tournament. You can purchase “Got 2 C 2 Play” buttons. Or you can drop off your tax deductable check at any Kitsap Bank payable to Kingston Rotary Foundation. Tournament details and registration information are available at www.kingston-nkrotary.org or at Kingston Lumber, John L. Scott Real Estate, or American Marine Bank in Kingston.
Become a sponsor
Sponsorship is a key to the tournament’s success, according to tournament chair Skip Peters. Sponsorships are still available for the hole-inone contest, tournament dinner (by table), tee sponsors, driving range, practice green, beverage cart and contests such as longest drive and closest to the pin. All sponsors will be recognized in newspaper ads and on the Kingston Rotary Web site. Call Sondra Peters at (360) 297-2323 for more information.
