Golf Tournament Fundraiser Benefits UA’s RISE Center

Golf Tournament Fundraiser Benefits UA’s RISE Center

The RISE Tournament of Champions is the largest fundraiser for the RISE Center.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The RISE Tournament of Champions benefiting The University of Alabama’s RISE Center will be held April 20 and 21 at NorthRiver Yacht Club.

The tournament is a four-person scramble (handicaps required) with tee times at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on both days and shotgun starts.

“Our RISE Center is the only RISE program that doesn’t charge tuition for children with special needs,” said Andi Gillen, RISE director. “This is the biggest fundraiser for the Center. The money raised ensures that our children can attend at no cost.”

Gillen said their goal is $225,000.

The RISE Center, a part of the UA College of Human Environmental Sciences, serves children with disabilities and their typically developing peers, from ages 8 weeks to 5 years. The children are divided by age among six classes, each with 16 students, one teacher and three assistants.

The integrated preschool program not only benefits families in the community, it serves as a practicum and internship site for students from UA and other colleges. The program is not an inexpensive one — it costs about $18,000 per child each year — and while it does receive funding from the University, an endowment and contracts with local school systems, fundraisers like the golf tournament are crucial to the school’s success.

The RISE Center serves children with disabilities and their typically developing peers, from ages 8 weeks to 5 years.

Registration for the golf tournament starts at $2,500 for a four-person team. Morning and afternoon prizes will be awarded to the top four teams with the best gross and net scores. Golfers will also receive a gift upon check-in. Lunch will be provided by Moe’s Original BBQ.

UA’s Nick Saban, Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney and other “champions” are scheduled to be in attendance.

No teams will be allowed to play with less than four members. For more information, or to register, contact RISE at 205/348-7931. Registration deadline is April 11.

In addition to the tournament, golfers and guests are invited to CHIP-In for RISE from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20, at the Yacht Club at NorthRiver. The event, which is open to the public, includes a silent auction and light refreshments. Former UA football coach Gene Stallings will be the special guest.

The silent auction includes, among other items, two international golf experiences — one in Italy and one in London. There are also helmets signed by Saban and Stallings and other Alabama memorabilia.

Tickets are $30 for individuals and $50 for couples. Those registered for the golf tournament receive one ticket to the event.

Contact

Kim Eaton, UA media relations, 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu