Las Vegas, Nev., (Sept. 23, 2016)–There may be no better feeling in life than reaching out to help out those who may be a little less fortunate–especially kids. Well, here’s your chance to help out and get the opportunity to play a little golf in the process. It’s time to check out the Uplift Foundation Scholarship Golf Tournament at Las Vegas’ Desert Pines Golf Club on Oct. 29, 2016, which is set to host its 10th annual tournament. –By Bill Bowman
The Uplift Foundation of Nevada www.upliftfoundation-nv.org/ was started in 2002 by members of the Kappa Xi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. as a way to help area youth. Whether it’s supporting groups, helping underprivileged families or aiding with scholarship funding, the group has been there in times of need.
More than 400 kids each year in the Las Vegas area receive help from the group (and more than 4,000 in the 10 years) and the golf tournament goes a long way in making sure that help is there. The benefits include college scholarships, mentoring for high school boys, financial literacy seminars, performing arts competitions for high school students and philanthropy support for schools and groups.
“We recognize there are many needs in the area, especially among young kids,” said Damon Hodge, Uplift Foundation of Nevada president. “As a group, we don’t sit back and complain. We are doers. We are trying to make a difference in the lives of these kids.”
It’s a never-ending process, but one that Hodge hopes the golf tournament–as well as other endeavors–will help fund so they can keep making a difference.
“The golf tournament is the major way we raise money for scholarships,” Hodge said. “It’s vitally important. We are so thankful to have the Ronald McDonald House on board. With their help we have given out $15,000 in scholarships to deserving students graduating from Clark County high schools this year and more than $100,000 since we started. And the more money we raise, the more money we can give away. It’s never-ending work, but it’s very fulfilling.”
The cost to play in the tournament is $100 if players sign up before Oct. 2, 2016. After Oct. 2, the price is $125. The cost includes green fees (including cart), range balls, and a meal after the round. There will be closest to the pin and long drive contests as well as raffle prizes.
And while it’s all about the golf on tournament day, the funds raised will be put to great use long after the last putt drops.
“The support we receive can make a life-changing difference to these kids,” Hodge said. “We invite anyone to come out and see the work that we do and see the smiles on the young people and see the parents rejoice. There are few things more powerful than seeing a mom cry when her son gets a scholarship. When you support us, you’re changing a person’s life for the better.”
For more information or to sign up for the tournament, call 702.748.5268 or go to upliftfoundation-nv.org.