The event last year raised more than $4,200 for Box 27, allowing it to suspend its annual $80 membership fee. That immediately landed the organization eight new members.
The organization provides services for safety officers, including lighting and refilling air tanks as well as food and drinks.
“Members of Box 27 volunteer to assist firefighters and police at any hour, day or night, and in any weather conditions,” said event chair Casey Lee, the son of Chief Lee. “Our family felt it was important that members, who so generously support our city’s emergency responders, not have to pay membership dues when they already contribute so much.”
With regular meeting fees, it could cost up to $150 per year for members, who routine get up late at night in different types of weather to assist fire crews. The fees had long been a deterrent to gaining new members, president Vicki Matthies said.
After last year’s outing, the group now has 20 members and is in great shape, Matthies said.
“(The golf outing) was phenomenal,” Matthies said. “We can’t thank them enough.”
Urbana native P.B. Dye, a famous golf course designer, also will compete in the event. He has donated several packages to be raffled and auctioned off during the outing, including a round of golf for three to play with Dye at a course of his choice.
The registration deadline for the four-person scramble is Sept. 1. Cost is $75 per golfer or $300 per team. Players can register from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. before the outing begins at 1.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for local businesses. For more information, call Casey Lee at (937) 631-3697 or visit the golf outing’s Facebook page.
About the Author