MEDIA RELEASE

HAWAII, THE BIG ISLAND—Jesus, most likely, did not play golf, preferring to spend His time caring for the less fortunate. However, most likely He would enjoy seeing golfers care for the less fortunate by joining the Imiola Church Golf Tournament Saturday, February 27 at Hapuna Golf Course.

A first for the 150-year-old-landmark of Church Row in Waimea, the tournament is a fundraiser for Imiola’s mission to feed hungry families, an ongoing program designed to fill a growing need. Their first community dinner was served Friday, January 22 in the Fellowship Hall, and Pastor Dean Kauka hopes to be able to continue the program as long as it’s needed.

“We don’t realize, sometimes, how blessed we are,” said Kauka. “Lately, the pictures of the terrible suffering in Haiti are everywhere, and you want to help—but how? Then you turn around and see hungry people, hungry children, right here on Hawaii Island—well, that is something we can do something about.”

Tournament organizers hope to raise at least $3,000 from the golf tournament, with the support of Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel and Golf Course, Goose’s Edge, Inc. and other generous sponsors.

The four-man scramble kicks off at 12:00 noon with a shotgun start. Registration fee is $125 (Early Bird $100 by January 27) which includes green fees, cart, lunch and more. Mulligans are available at $5 each.

The Grand Prize, valued at $900, is a full day deep-sea fishing charter for four aboard Topshape, donated by Captain Al Gustavson. Teams are encouraged, or individual golfers will be matched with players of similar skill levels as much as possible. Golfers of all levels enjoy the Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay Hapuna Golf Course, with ocean views from almost every hole.

To register, donate a prize or volunteer to help, please call Jessie Naomi Grace at 808-896-8005 or Kahu Dean Kauka at 808-938-1211.