Come “Swing for Kids” to benefit Chattanooga’s Kids on the Block
105.1 ESPN Chattanooga and Brewer Media will host the 2nd Annual “Swing for Kids” Charity Golf Tournament on Friday, September 23 at the Champions Club at Hampton Creek. Proceeds raised from the tournament will benefit Chattanooga’s Kids on the Block, the puppets with a purpose.
With severe cuts in funding threatening to reduce the number of CKOB programs provided free of charge to schools in the community, Jim Brewer and his team at ESPN Radio reached out to CKOB in 2015 about a partnership in efforts to raise funds to support CKOB and the counties served by the educational puppetry troupe. The partnership formed between Brewer and CKOB was a success and raised $10,465 in the first “Swing for Kids” Charity Golf Tournament in 2015.
CKOB is a non-profit organization serving 16 counties in Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia, and Alabama by using the power of puppetry to educate children about social concerns and differences, giving them the skills to stay safe and healthy.
For over 37 years, CKOB has used the nationally recognized Kids on the Block puppets and the nationally researched scripts to provide awareness and prevention programs on such topics as bullying, child abuse, childhood obesity, brain injury, accepting differences, gangs and violence, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, self-esteem, hygiene and mental health, to primarily elementary aged children in our community.
“CKOB provides programs free of charge to schools in our community in an effort to enhance the quality of life in our area and empower children to become healthy, strong and resourceful future leaders,” says Kelly Williams, Executive Director of CKOB.
“Despite the devastating loss of funding over the past year, CKOB has continued to perform a record number of programs as requested by schools and community organizations in our area, the charity golf tournament will help us continue to provide vital programs to children and families in our community,” says Williams.
Last year’s golf tournament was a success with the support of sponsorships and the 15 golf teams who supported CKOB by playing in the tournament.
This year’s “Swing for Kids” is anticipating over 100 golfers to tee-off at 1 p.m. in a four-person scramble. Registration is open to any golfers who would like to support the educational puppetry troupe by visiting www.kidsontheblock.net.
Registration cost is $125 per player or $500 for a team. Registration includes 18-holes of golf, golf cart, lunch provided by Chick-Fil-A, dinner provided by Amigo’s, complimentary drinks provided by Carter Distributing, and a chance to win fabulous prizes.