Running a Benefit tournament

[bogeyme]

I hope this is the correct place to put this question.

Have any of you put on/set up a benefit tournament? Earlier this year I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes. I walked in their "Step out to Figth Diabetes" walk this year but I was trying to think of other ways to raise money for them and I thought about doing something I like. So I figured I'd look into the possibility of having a tournament with all money going to the local chapter of the Diabetes Association. What are some of the things I need to think about before going about this. It would benefit just about everyone. The Diabetes Association would get money for research and everything and everyone that played would get some exercise and hopefully have a good time.

I know I will have to find a course/club that will let me use their course. I will also have to find sponsors to help pay for the course rental and possibly some door prizes. What else do I need to think about?

Thanks in advance everyone.

[Sherpat]

Sorry to hear you've been hit with that, man. Best of luck to you - and kudos for taking a positive approach rather than wallowing in despair.

I think the best answer to your question would be: contact your local ADA chapter. They're in Columbus ((614) 436-1917 ). This is an organization (as I'm sure you now know) that has a lot of experience with benefit events and other fundraising activities, and would know what it takes to organize one. Even if it's not a specific type of event they've hosted in the past. Not to mention they are probably well versed in important things like tax law, proper filing, etc. I know it's golf you want to set up, so it seems natural to ask a bunch of golfers - and indeed you might even find some golfers here who have experience with this. But I personally think the ADA will be your greatest, and safest, source of info regarding this sort of thing.

Again, good luck to you, and with this!

[bogeyme]

Thanks for the idea. I'll check with them after the first of the year because I'm sure this is a super busy time for them.

[Fried Egg]

I would say try to get that diabetes association to "run" the tournament or create your own charitable organization for this (I believe it's 501c3). This may get you a break on what the course would charge as well as help with any type of taxes that would be involved with the whole operation.

As for running the tournament, you can make a lot of money by selling hole sponsor signs. Put them on the tees, by the greens, etc. With a little leg work, this is free money. The signs are cheap. Sell mulligans for $5 or $10. It all adds up. If you are having lunch or dinner after the golf, have a raffle or an auction. I've seen a few sports memorabilia companies that will hold the auction and you get to keep all the money in excess of what their price is for an item.

For door prizes, jackets or sweatshirts are always nice. If you work with the club in advance, they could give you a deal since you'll hopefully be ordering 100-120 of these items.

Finally, make sure you get the participants money in advance. You don't want 4 or 5 groups not showing up on a questionable weather day without paying, especially if you have to pay the club for them anyway.

GL.

[tiger_who]

hey sorry to here mate
iv run a golf tournament and the most important thing is to get players. most courses will let u hav the course for the day but it will cost a bit if its for a charity event then they may let it slide. also ask golf retail shops if they can donate prize like golf bags, balls and vouchers we got a lot of prizes just for asking if they would help support the day and also tell them u will advertise there shop that always works lol. im not sure how golf couses and shops run in the states but u hav to get players send out entry forms 2 months b 4 the date and hav fun thinngs like we had putting comps and and chipping comps were people won sleves of pro v's and evey one loved it it was a great day hope urs is a success