thedrifter
04-16-08, 07:06 AM
Hitting the links for the heroes
Celebrity Classic seeks volunteers
April 16, 2008 - 1:01AM
AMANDA HICKEY
THE DAILY NEWS
The focus of the Marine Corps Celebrity Classic may seem to be golf, but it's really about raising awareness.
"It's important to heighten the awareness of what's going on with wounded warriors and their families," said Rosie Jones, project manager for the annual tournament.
And to do that, she said, it takes 150 volunteers working a total of 300 shifts over the course of more than five days.
"We have something for everyone, whether they want to help on the golf course or with the evening events," Jones said. "It's a great way to get to know the celebrities and feel like you're doing something special for the wounded warriors and their families."
Those interested in golf-related positions and knowledgeable about the sport can apply to be a celebrity caddy, work as greenside reporters or monitor prize holes where the hole-in-one competition is being held. Non-golf volunteer positions include on-course assistants who keep the coolers stocked and help with various aspects of the evening events, from decorating to assistance with the auction.
Anyone interested in volunteering for the MCCC should apply as soon as possible. Applications are available online at www.mcccgolf.com. Volunteer training will be held on May 28 and 29 at the Jacksonville Country Club.
About 260 golfers are already registered for the tournament, which will be on two courses, Jones told those gathered around the putting range at Paradise Point Golf Course for the Commanding General's Invitational Tournament, which teed off Tuesday and doubled as a media day for the June 4-8 Celebrity Classic.
The event, however, is not about getting in a round of golf.
"The event is about the experiences with the troops. ... Lifelong bonds have been formed with celebrities and people aboard our base," Jones said. "There's a lot more to this event than just golf."
Like money - funds raised through the tournament go to help support the Jacksonville branch of the United Service Organizations, the Wounded Warriors and the Wounded Warriors Disabled Sports Project.
Last year, the tournament raised $108,000. This year, Jones is aiming for $130,000.
Through the Wounded Warriors Disabled Sports Project, severely wounded service members are able to participate in sports year-round.
"The whole idea is to get them out of the hospital twice a month and doing something," said Kirk M. Bauer, executive director of the project.
With 16 sports to choose from, including skiing, snowboarding, golf, fishing, kayaking and surfing, the goal is to bring the severely wounded the confidence they had before their "demoralizing" injury, Bauer said.
"What they need at that time is a boost, a confidence booster ... and sports can do that. It's a real quick success for them," said Bauer, who lost his leg to a hand grenade in Vietnam. "It gives them the confidence to challenge life again and live their dreams."
By joining together, Jacksonville and the Marine Corps show the injured troops that they have not been forgotten, Harold Rowland, executive director of the United Services Organizations in Jacksonville said.
"It's a huge thing for us to see so many people come out and support this because it shows ... the city of Jacksonville and the base have a semper fi relationship," Rowland said.
The money the USO receives from the Celebrity Classic will go to supporting its programs, like the Rack Pack Program, which provides common toiletries so returning troops don't have to dig through sand in their sea bags to find what they need.
"Right now we are in desperate need to replenish our Rack Pack Program. The Rack Pack Program is designed for the single Marine returning home," Rowland said.
Contact Jacksonville and Onslow County reporter Amanda Hickey at ahickey@freedomenc.com or 910-219-8463.
Ellie
Celebrity Classic seeks volunteers
April 16, 2008 - 1:01AM
AMANDA HICKEY
THE DAILY NEWS
The focus of the Marine Corps Celebrity Classic may seem to be golf, but it's really about raising awareness.
"It's important to heighten the awareness of what's going on with wounded warriors and their families," said Rosie Jones, project manager for the annual tournament.
And to do that, she said, it takes 150 volunteers working a total of 300 shifts over the course of more than five days.
"We have something for everyone, whether they want to help on the golf course or with the evening events," Jones said. "It's a great way to get to know the celebrities and feel like you're doing something special for the wounded warriors and their families."
Those interested in golf-related positions and knowledgeable about the sport can apply to be a celebrity caddy, work as greenside reporters or monitor prize holes where the hole-in-one competition is being held. Non-golf volunteer positions include on-course assistants who keep the coolers stocked and help with various aspects of the evening events, from decorating to assistance with the auction.
Anyone interested in volunteering for the MCCC should apply as soon as possible. Applications are available online at www.mcccgolf.com. Volunteer training will be held on May 28 and 29 at the Jacksonville Country Club.
About 260 golfers are already registered for the tournament, which will be on two courses, Jones told those gathered around the putting range at Paradise Point Golf Course for the Commanding General's Invitational Tournament, which teed off Tuesday and doubled as a media day for the June 4-8 Celebrity Classic.
The event, however, is not about getting in a round of golf.
"The event is about the experiences with the troops. ... Lifelong bonds have been formed with celebrities and people aboard our base," Jones said. "There's a lot more to this event than just golf."
Like money - funds raised through the tournament go to help support the Jacksonville branch of the United Service Organizations, the Wounded Warriors and the Wounded Warriors Disabled Sports Project.
Last year, the tournament raised $108,000. This year, Jones is aiming for $130,000.
Through the Wounded Warriors Disabled Sports Project, severely wounded service members are able to participate in sports year-round.
"The whole idea is to get them out of the hospital twice a month and doing something," said Kirk M. Bauer, executive director of the project.
With 16 sports to choose from, including skiing, snowboarding, golf, fishing, kayaking and surfing, the goal is to bring the severely wounded the confidence they had before their "demoralizing" injury, Bauer said.
"What they need at that time is a boost, a confidence booster ... and sports can do that. It's a real quick success for them," said Bauer, who lost his leg to a hand grenade in Vietnam. "It gives them the confidence to challenge life again and live their dreams."
By joining together, Jacksonville and the Marine Corps show the injured troops that they have not been forgotten, Harold Rowland, executive director of the United Services Organizations in Jacksonville said.
"It's a huge thing for us to see so many people come out and support this because it shows ... the city of Jacksonville and the base have a semper fi relationship," Rowland said.
The money the USO receives from the Celebrity Classic will go to supporting its programs, like the Rack Pack Program, which provides common toiletries so returning troops don't have to dig through sand in their sea bags to find what they need.
"Right now we are in desperate need to replenish our Rack Pack Program. The Rack Pack Program is designed for the single Marine returning home," Rowland said.
Contact Jacksonville and Onslow County reporter Amanda Hickey at ahickey@freedomenc.com or 910-219-8463.
Ellie