Tourney to assist charity

Golf enthusiasts can hit the links while helping the homeless during a charity golf tournament Wednesday.

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The second annual tournament for Julie's House Inc. will be at Bartram Trail Golf Course. Julie's House originated in 2004 in an effort to help homeless women and their children.

Pat Bourke said spreading the message about Julie's House is an important feature of the event.

"Not only is it a fundraiser, but it raises awareness in the community," said Bourke, the executive director of the nonprofit organization. "It has stirred up a lot of interest about what we're doing."

The proceeds will benefit Julie's House.

Registration will begin at 9 a.m. The tournament will commence at 11 with a shotgun start. The first-place team wins an overnight stay at Kiawah Island (S.C.) Resort, including accommodations and a round of golf for each team member. Other prizes are available.

"We've had a lot of businesses donate prizes -- some large, some small -- but we appreciate everything," Bourke said.

The tournament costs $200 per team, or $75 per person, to enter, which pays for the greens fee, cart fee and lunch.

Sponsors also are needed, she said. A friend sponsorship spot costs $200; an advocate sponsorship spot costs $500; and a hero sponsorship costs $1,000.

Monsanto Co., in Augusta, has signed on as a $1,000 sponsor, Bourke said.

"We made about $8,000 last year, and our goal this year is $10,000," she said.

Bourke recently bought a house in Martinez to provide further assistance for homeless women and their children.

"Our main objective will be that our clients will leave the shelter able to live independently and in safety," their Web site states.

For more information, call Bourke at (706) 730-4222 or write to info@julies-house.com.