On June 22nd Grace Fellowship Church will host its 5th Annual Father’s Day Classic golf tournament presented by AquaGuard Foundation Solutions. This fun event benefits Grace Student Ministry and allows middle and high school kids with financial hardships to attend summer camp at Look Up Lodge on scholarship.
“I think all parents, at some level, understand the sacrifice and care that goes into blessing the next generation with opportunities and direction. And some sacrifices are greater than others. But others–like playing golf to help send students to camp–don’t feel like sacrifices at all! That’s why I love the Father’s Day Classic–everybody wins! (Except for whoever plays in my foursome),” says Grace Snellville Campus Pastor, Jon Stallsmith.
Tom DiGregorio, owner of AquaGuard Foundation Solutions, is the returning presenting sponsor for the event. “We are asked to sponsor many charitable events each year, but saying yes to this one is an easy decision for me. It is so important to make a positive impact in the lives of children in these formative years. Giving kids the opportunity to grow in their spiritual walk, when they otherwise would not have the chance, is the highest calling we can answer in their lives.”
Look Up Lodge is a non-denominational, CCCA-affiliated camp and retreat center, in Travelers Rest, SC, with a passion to see Christians deepen their faith and make a difference in the lives around them. Their mission is to fully utilize the camping experience to move people in the church towards a better understanding of the totality of grace. CJ Rousseau, a long-time Grace member who has attended camp at Look Up for eight years says, “Summer camp at Look Up Lodge is a ton of fun on top of the life-changing services we experience. Look Up is one of the reasons I want to be either a youth pastor or a Christian youth counsellor.”
Hosted at Summit Chase County Club, the tournament day will begin with registration, driving range and putting contest at 7:30, with a shotgun start at 9:00. Chick-fil-A Scenic Highway and Chick-fil-A Snellville will provide breakfast and tournament beverages. Lunch will be provided by Texas Roadhouse. Long drive and close up prizes will be awarded, and the always popular raffle will be full of a variety of items. Last year was the inaugural live auction and this year’s promises to exceed expectation, boasting items including a highly sought after foursome at Eastlake Golf Club. The tournament format is a traditional scramble, so you don’t have to be an excellent golfer to enjoy your time on the course. This is a great event for golfers of all ages and abilities to enjoy together.
Each year Grace takes over 300 kids to camp. Our goal this year is to provide 40 scholarships for those in need. The cost for a camper to attend the five-day event is $289. You can help by registering to play, sponsorship, donation of items for raffle or auction, or volunteering your time. Tournament Chairman, Ron Levesque explains, “A typical charity tournament costs over $100 to enter. We have made it much more affordable with a $65 entry for an individual, $125 for a parent/child, or $225 for a foursome. The community support for this event allows us to offer these rates and provide an excellent experience while raising funds and spreading the reality of grace into our neighborhoods and the next generation. If you are not a golfer, you can still help. Do you have a gift card that you don’t intend to use? Donate it to the raffle! Do you have time to help on tournament day? We can put you to work! We welcome your help as we venture to make an impact on the hearts of the students in our area.”
At print time we are in the process of confirming the special opportunity for VIP registrations for two-somes to join a two-some of former UGA/NFL football players or Atlanta Braves baseball players. For more information or to register, please visit www.gfc.tv/golf or email Ron Levesque at golf@gfc.tv. You can also find us on Facebook at 5th Annual Grace Father’s Day Classic.
