NEWPORT-There are some things in life that simply can'tbe measured. Such is the case with the Boys & Girls Club of Newport/CockeCounty, and its' importance to our community.

The Boys and Girls Club in Newport/Cocke County is opento all children ages 7 to 18 for a mere $10 per year, and that includes luncheach day during the summer months.

"It's important that we keep the membership fee aslow as possible," said Trey Youngblood, a member of the Boys & GirlsClub of Newport/Cocke County Board of Directors. "We want to make surethat every child can take advantage of the Club and what it has to offer. Weare nearing 200 members, and the number of children taking advantage of theClub this summer has literally exploded, some 90 kids per day, give or take afew. And, of late, the Club is also serving some special needs kids."

But, while the fee remains low, the cost of running theclub continues to climb.

"We do get some government grants," saidYoungblood, "but those dollars go to staffing, basically. We've been ableto manage, but it's a struggle because we're still paying on the new facilityand other costs."

As a result, the Club has various fundraisers throughoutthe year, including an annual auction, an annual golf tournament, and theon-going 'Back-a-Kid' campaign.

"The 'Back-a-Kid' campaign is our number onefundraiser right now," said Youngblood, "with the golf tournamentsecond. Without the generosity of our local residents and businesses, we simplywouldn't be able to fund many of the Club's activities. And we believe thateverything the Club offers our children is important.

The Boys & Girls Club provides diverse activitiesthat meet the interests of all youth. Core programs engage young people inactivities with adults, peers and family members that enable them to developself-esteem and reach their full potential.

The Boys and Girls Club utilizes a time-tested youthdevelopment strategy, which promotes and enhances the development of boys andgirls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, and belonging, as wellas a sense of power and influence.

The club offers program activities in five areas: Charterand Leadership Development, Education and Career Development, Health and LifeSkills, Sports, Fitness and Recreation, and The Arts.

"It's really quite incredible what the Club offersour children," said Youngblood, "from art classes to music lessons toa computer lab, games and so much more."

The Club also recently instituted a highly successfulhomework assistance program when school is in session. This innovative programhelps young people come to view homework as an opportunity to learn to workindependently, complete projects on time and feel positive about theiraccomplishments.

So, the final push is on for sponsors and players in theupcoming golf tournament, which is slated for this coming Tuesday, June 23, atSmoky Mountain Country Club.

"We have 22 teams registered so far," saidYoungblood, "and we're pleased. But we could use plenty more. We're mostconcerned with sponsorships, though. The number of sponsors are down. We had100 sponsors for last year's tournament, and about 80 so far for this year'stournament. So we're hoping that a few more sponsors will step up beforeTuesday."

That doesn't mean, however, that this year's tournamentwill be any less than in the past.

"We always roll out the red carpet to ourcompetitors and sponsors," said Youngblood. "Cash prizes will beawarded for first place in each division, plus trophies, and additional prizes,including Hole-In-One, Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive."

Plus there will be plenty of food and drinks on hand foreveryone.

The tournament is a four-person scramble, and you mustprovide your own team. The entry fee is $50 per person, which includes lunch. AMulligan may be purchased at $5 each (one per player). Entry fees may be paidon the day of the tournament.

To register, or if you would like to become a sponsor,contact Trey Youngblood at (423) 623-9071, Derrick Woods at (423) 608-3255 orChris Triplett at (423) 623-6088.

To find out more about the Boys and Girls Club and itsprograms, call (423) 623-6536, or stop by the club, which is located at 531Bailey Street in Newport.

"We appreciate all of the help thecommunity is giving us, especially during these hard economic times," saidYoungblood. "We're hoping for a good turnout, as always, and maybe a fewlast minute sponsors as well. We could use a few volunteers too. One thing isfor sure, we always have a lot of fun, and we're looking forward to it."