Civitan Services to present Glow Ball fundraiser March 8
A unique local fundraiser will set a glowing example Friday when Civitan Services hosts its annual Glow Ball golf tournament at Longhills Golf Club.
The event raises money for Civitan’s continued efforts to support men, women and children with disabilities.
“We’re the only ones in
Saline County, and probably Central Arkansas, that are doing any type of glow ball,” said Jeff Dyer, director of community outreach. “It’s a little less serious than a normal good time playing golf.”
The fundraiser will kick off with a dinner at 5:30 p.m., followed by a shotgun start on the course at 6:30. Participants will play nine holes, after which awards will be presented.
“Yes, it’s a fundraiser, but really and truly, for me these types of events are about educating the public,” Dyer said.
“We’re showing the general public who we are, and why we do what we do.”
Civitan Services provides Saline County support in numerous ways. There is a preschool in Benton, where employees’ sole jobs are to utilize therapies to prepare clients for kindergarten.
Civitan Services also has two adult campuses, where clients live independently in apartment-style rooms, but still have staff available to meet needs and teach life skills. In addition, many clients participate in Civitan’s work program, including the Civitan thrift store, the Civitan Shoppe in Bryant.
“We have clients that work in the store that are putting out items to to sell and working with customers, or on the truck,” Dyer said. “We do everything we can to provide opportunities to be part of the community.”
The Glow Ball golf scramble is just one more occasion that
Saline County has to see Civitan’s work in action. Clients will have a chance to interact with participants during the dinner and on the golf course, all while supporting the cause.
“The more money we raise, the more we can do for our clients,” Dyer said. “One hundred percent of the profits that come in go back into programs for our clients.”
Registration is still open for the event, which costs $75 per individual golfers and $150 per two-person team. The price includes dinner, a goody bag, glowing golf balls, and a signature golf item. There are also still opportunities for groups or organizations to sponsor the cost of the event.
“The weather’s looking good for us,” Dyer said.
“If they’ve never played in a glow ball tournament, it’s just a fun Friday night. It’s a great community outreach.”
He also encourages residents to come visit the campus or the thrift store.
“We’re always welcoming volunteers to come on campus,” Dyer said. “Even ones that aren’t scheduled, we can come up with something. That’s our clients. They just want to come and hang out with them.”
To register, go to civitanservices.com/events, or email Jeff Dyer at jeffdyer@civitanservices.com.
To volunteer, please call Civilian at 501-7760691.