Sponsors sought for golf invitational
Proceeds to benefit brain tumor foundation

The Kelly Heinz-Grundner Brain Tumor Foundation of Clarence is seeking corporate sponsors for its second annual golf invitational and dinner set for Monday, June 11 at the Transit Valley Country Club in Amherst.

The foundation has created six sponsorship levels for the event with fees ranging from $100 to $5,000. The benefits of sponsorship include tee signs on the golf course and advertising in the tournament program. Some sponsors also are eligible for Web site placement and a round of golf at the event.

Last year, there were 112 golfers and 60 additional people for the dinner.

"We're ready to build on our success from last year - our first-ever golf event," said Christopher T. Grundner, president and chief executive director. "This is a fantastic opportunity for New York State businesses to align with an important health-related cause that every day is gathering more and more public attention."

The event is designed to raise money for the nonprofit cancer foundation that is headquartered in Wilmington, Del. It features a four-person scramble format and begins with player registration and lunch at 11:30 a.m.

Golfing is from 1 to 6 p.m. followed by a dinner and award ceremony that ends at 8 p.m.

"Smart marketers see that these sponsorships are a great way to extend their advertising expenditures," said Grundner, a former senior vice president of marketing with JPMorgan Chase. "What's more, customers insist on knowing that the companies they do business with care about them and their community."

Golfers are charged a $150 entry fee, which includes lunch and drinks on the course, dinner with an open bar and the awards ceremony. A $750 corporate golf package for four includes a round of golf, lunch and dinner and two company tee signs.

Tickets for the dinner only are $50.

Sponsors, players and dinner guests can register and pay for the event at the foundation's Web site www.GetYour- HeadInTheGame.org.

Interested companies or individuals can contact Doug Rifenburg, tournament chairman, at 566-1122 or email golf@khgbraintumorfoundation. org.

The following is a rundown on the sponsor packages.

Presenting sponsor: $5,000, which includes having the sponsor's name on all collateral material and publicity; company name in the tournament program; recognition on the foundation Web site; display of company logo at the dinner; nine tee signs and two complimentary foursomes for golf, lunch and dinner.

Eagle sponsor: $2,500, which includes company name and information in the tournament program; recognition on the foundation Web site; display of company logo at the dinner; six tee signs and one complimentary foursome for golf, lunch and dinner.

Birdie sponsor: $1,500, including company name and information in the tournament program; display of company logo at the dinner; four tee signs and one complimentary foursome for golf, lunch and dinner.

Par sponsor: $500, which includes company name and information in the tournament program; display of company logo at the dinner and two tee signs.

Tee sponsor: $100, including company name in the tournament program and one tee sign.

In-kind gift sponsorship of any value will have the company name in the tournament program. Suggested gift ideas include auction items, gift basket or gift certificate, golf balls and tees.

The foundation is dedicated to raising national awareness about brain tumors, providing emotional and financial support to individuals and families of individuals suffering from a brain tumor, and supporting advanced research into the disease, preventive measures and the potential for treatment options.

For more information, visit the foundation's Web site, www.GetYourHeadInThe Game.org.