Golf Tournament provides scholarships
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on May 13, 2004 2:54 PM
Geoff Kokiko and Chris Cox have been tapped again to serve as chairmen for this year's Wayne Community College Benefit Golf Tournament. The college's fund-raiser will be held June 15 and 16 at Lane Tree Golf Course.
"This tournament is the most successful fund-raising activity for Wayne Community College scholarships," said Kokiko, market executive at First Citizens Bank.
Last year's tournament brought in $47,000 from player fees, drawing ticket sales, live and silent auctions, and sponsorships.
Over the past 11 years, the tournament has provided $366,000 to the Foundation of Wayne Community College for scholarships to students.
Kokiko said the community's generosity is overwhelming. "It shows that we recognize the importance of education and support it," he said.
Several sponsors have pledged at least $1,000: Allen Grading Co., BellSouth, Jack Best with Best Commercial Develop-ment, BB&T, Cox Construction & Properties, Deacon Jones Lincoln Mercury Kia, D.S. Simmons, First Citizens Bank, Frema Motors, Goldsboro News-Argus, Grand Rental Station, Mission Foods, Park Designs, Partin & Hobbs Architects, Pittard Perry Crone Inc., Progress Energy, The McMillen Group, Wachovia, and Wayne Realty & Insurance Co. Inc.
Hole sponsorships are still available at the $245 and $500, as are corporate sponsorships for $1,000 each.
For the second year, Fairway Outdoor Advertis-ing is providing billboards promoting the tournament and Outback Steakhouse is the tournament's dinner sponsor.
In addition to the dinner on the evening of June 15, the event includes a speech by Brig. Gen. Eric Rosborg, commander of the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, live and silent auctions, and a drawing.
The tournament starts with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. the next day.
"To have a good time and contribute to a worthy cause at the same time, that is the best kind of fund-raising," said Cox, owner of Cox Construction & Properties and a member of last year's winning team.
Slots are still available for players at $125 each and $500 for a team. To sign up to play or be a sponsor, call 735-5151.
The event was founded in 1993 by Wooten Oil Co. as a way to contribute to a cause that would use all the money locally.
Dillon Wooten is still instrumental in the tournament, and Wooten Oil/Kwik Mart continues to be a corporate sponsor.