NEWPORT-It is, without a doubt, one of the most important fundraisers in Cocke County.

The Boys & Girls Club in Newport/Cocke County is gearing up for their Annual Golf Tournament 2010, scheduled for Tuesday, August 10, at Smoky Mountain Country Club. Registration runs from 9-10 a.m. with a shotgun start at 10 a.m.

"The golf tournament is really important for us," said Boys & Girls Club Director Shane Borie. "We try to get as many grants as we can, but we're always in need of public support."

Borie said they have 300 kids at Club this summer, and membership has grown to 500 kids for the year.

"It gets pretty busy at around 11 a.m.," said Borie. "They come in because we feed them lunch."

And, the Boys & Girls Club remains a great value for families.

"We still only charge $10 a year," said Borie. "It has been important to us to keep the fee low, especially during tough economic times. We want to make the club accessible to all kids."

Cocke County should be proud of all that the Club has to offer, including a complete computer room, a music room, an art room, a full gymnasium, a game center and so much more.

But, while the Club fee remains low, the expenses are always there, and that's where you can help simply by playing a round of golf.

The tournament is a four-person scramble flighted by USGA Team Handicap. The entry fee is just $50 per person, which includes lunch, prizes, gifts, refreshments, two Mulligans and, of course, a full day of fun for a worthy cause.

Teams finishing first in each of the three divisions will be awarded $400. In addition, there will be a Hole-In-One Contest at hole No. 3 that will pay out $10,000, Longest Drive for men and women that pays out $25 and Closest to Pin on hole No. 12 that pays out $25.

Sponsorships are still available for caring businesses and individuals on three different levels, including Corporate, Platinum and Gold.

If you would like to be a sponsor, or register for the Tournament, contact Roddy Woods at (865) 712-0262, Dan Dickens at (423) 237-5272, Shane Borie at (423) 623-6536 or Chris Triplett at (423) 623-6088.