Firefighters' fundraisers pair boots, golf spikes

When firefighters need to raise funds, they often walk through traffic, boots in hand.

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For a second consecutive year, Martinez-Evans Fire Rescue is throwing in some golf spikes. The department will hold a golf tournament at Jones Creek Golf Club on May 12 to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

"We've always done boot drives on Labor Day weekend to raise money for MDA. That's just something firefighters do across the country," said Capt. David Dickenson, the tournament's organizer. "We thought adding a golf tournament would be pretty cool."

The event raised $9,000 in 2007, Dickenson said, when it was held at Bartram Trail. Five more teams will be in the field this year, and the tournament will feature two flights. Shotgun starts will be at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. to help move play along.

"It will make it quicker for the golfers. The tournament doesn't drag as slow for them, so it's more enjoyable for them to play," Dickenson said. "It also allows us to raise more money by having more people out there."

Golfers will have the opportunity to purchase mulligans, which they might want to use on the 165-yard second hole. A hole-in-one there wins a 2008 GMC Acadia.

Sponsorships are available for $100 or $300, Dickenson said.

Bartram Trail golfers battle rain, MS

Those who know Brian Ozden say he's always willing to help when something needs to be done. When Ozden sought help from his fellow Bartram Trail members, they responded in kind.

Ozden's wife, Cathy, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 10 years ago. As he and his family prepared to participate in Augusta's "Walk for MS" this year, he approached Bartram Trail head golf professional Robby Watson with the idea of pairing a fundraising golf tournament with the walk.

With the help of the Bartram Trail Men's Golf Association, the inaugural "Walkin' and Golfin' for MS and Cathy" launched on March 29.

The weather was uncooperative most of the day, but 83 golfers turned out.

"Come tournament time, it got a little nasty," said Joe Montano, head of the BTMGA. "They all stuck it out."

Cost for the walk was $20 and included a T-shirt. Tournament fees ranged from $30 to $65 depending on a golfer's status.

Montano said the event raised about $5,000, and he said it likely will become an annual affair.

Ozden was named to the association's board during the tournament after a previous member left to take another job.

"I think it was more successful than Brian anticipated," Montano said.

Chip shots

Evans High School's band will hold a golf tournament May 3 at Goshen Plantation. The format is four-man team scramble. Cost is $55 per person and includes 18 holes with cart, range balls and lunch. Visit www.ehsband.webs.com for more information.