Cancelled tournament leaves charities scrambling

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Charitable organizations in the Ozarks are scrambling to make up for donor contributions that aren't quite up to par due to the cancellation of what would have been the sixth annual Children's Charity Golf Classic. The tournament, held at Millwood Golf & Racquet Club, raised $156,000 last year and has raised more than $600,000 in the last five years.|ret||ret||tab|

Dan Schumacher, director of Children's Charity and general manager at Millwood, said the tournament isn't being held this year due to scheduling conflicts and the economy. He said the event will take place next year.|ret||ret||tab|

"I could not find a date that I could get the pros in town without flying them from coast to coast, which costs about $40,000," Schumacher said. Twenty golf professionals attend each year. |ret||ret||tab|

"The only time I could get them here was during the Hall of Fame Tournament at Highland (Springs) and that's (been) their date for the last 10 years. To conflict a big tournament like that, that's not fair."|ret||ret||tab|

Schumacher said the state of the economy made it difficult when considering how the tournament would affect sponsors and recipients of the funds the tournament brings in.|ret||ret||tab|

"It's a very high-end (event) for all my sponsors. It costs all my sponsors about $8,000 apiece to be involved," he said. "I know it's hard on (the nonprofits). They're all seeing it. (The economy) is hurting their fundraising and it's a shame."|ret||ret||tab|

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Funding derailed|ret||ret||tab|

Court Appointed Special Advocates was one of the organizations counting on funds raised by the golf tournament.|ret||ret||tab|

"It felt like a punch in the stomach when we got the letter. We were certainly very disappointed," said Rhoda Clark, executive director.|ret||ret||tab|

About 15 percent of CASA's budget last year was funded by the tournament. This year's proposed budget of $238,000 has more than doubled compared to four years ago. While Clark is proud of the growth in funding that allows CASA and its volunteers to help more kids about 200 kids a year compared to about 65 kids four years ago she stressed that CASA doesn't take any gifts for granted.|ret||ret||tab|

"It certainly has created a big void in our budget. We had to find creative new ways to create a new revenue stream," Clark said.|ret||ret||tab|

One new revenue stream flowed from Table Rock Lake. CASA earned more than $20,000 hosting a lake cruise, entertaining nine boats filled with 70 to 80 people.|ret||ret||tab|

CASA is getting ready for its final fund-raiser of the year, its third annual contest for children to submit artwork, with the winning entries reproduced as Christmas cards.|ret||ret||tab|

"We're hoping to earn around $8,000," Clark said.|ret||ret||tab|

Children's Miracle Network was forced to look for creative fund-raising ideas when it wasn't included in last year's Children's Charity Golf Classic tournament.|ret||ret||tab|

"That's something you come to count on each year, so it hurts when you don't get it," said Director Susan Scanlon. "Obviously, if we lose $20,000 or $25,000, that's a chunk of money for us. We don't want to have to turn kids away."|ret||ret||tab|

As CMN's sponsoring hospital, CoxHealth pays CMN's salaries and operating expenses, allowing 100 percent of donations to go directly to CMN, which serves 32 counties in the area. Along with its annual telethon each June, CMN raises funds through writing grants and participation in other events such as the Canine Carnival for Kids sponsored by All Pet Supply and the Price Cutter Charity Championship. Scanlon said CMN is always looking for new ways to raise money.|ret||ret||tab|

Champion Athletes of the Ozarks received about $7,000 from last year's Children's Charity Golf Classic.|ret||ret||tab|

The organization, started in March 2002 to provide life skills and sports training to children and adults with disabilities, serves about 500 individuals in nine counties.|ret||ret||tab|

"It's been hard for us," said Susan Miles, director. Miles said none of the organization's programs for its athletes were cut. Instead, the group decided to hustle.|ret||ret||tab|

"We're trying to make more contacts with donors. We've written several grants. Basically we're adding more special events and grants to try and make up for the shortfall," Miles said.|ret||ret||tab|

Champion Athletes of the Ozarks also participates in the Price Cutter Charity Championship and other events, including an Indy car race sponsored by Price Cutter.|ret||ret||tab|

Miles looks forward to the golf tournament taking place next year. |ret||ret||tab|

"Not only for the financial reasons, but because it was a very fun event. A lot of the people in the community were there and have really commented that it was a great social event and would love to see it back," she said. "We're certainly willing to do anything that Dan needs to help out."|ret||ret||tab|

Schumacher said Children's Charity's plans for 2003 include helping Champion Athletes of the Ozarks, CASA, Children's Miracle Network, SMSU baseball, Good Samaritan Boys Ranch and the Regional Girls Shelter.|ret||ret||tab|

"We'll still raise about $60,000 this year, even though we're not having the big event," he said.|ret||ret||tab|

Children's Charity has other plans for fundraising, Schumacher said, including the SMS baseball tournament and the Lexus Champions for Charity at Reliable Superstore.|ret||ret||tab|

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