Golfers from across the Tri-cities are perfecting their skills with registration now open for the 8th annual Peggy Merryman Golf Tournament on June 11. It is the official golf tournament of the 50th annual Covered Bridge Celebration.
Each year, the golf tournament benefits the Elizabethton/Carter County Community Foundation (ECCF), which provides funding for public agencies and organizations in areas like education, economic development, youth programs, historic preservation, animal welfare and arts and culture.
In the past, the foundation has made contributions to Red Legacy Recovery, the Inmate Gardening Program at the Carter County Detention Center, East Tennessee Spay and Neuter, and the Boys and Girls Club of Elizabethton and Carter County, among others.
The foundation also provides scholarships locally and operates as an affiliate of the East Tennessee Foundation.
Members are currently at work on their largest fundraiser yet: the purchase of the historic Bonnie Kate Theater for the City of Elizabethton.
ECCF President Kris Yarlett emphasized the importance of gaining the support needed for ECCF initiatives, especially during the next week. The Bonnie Kate will go up for auction on April 8, and he said though tremendous pledges have been made, more are needed. “If we can purchase the theater for the city, it could become like the Capitol Theater in downtown Maryville or like the Bijou Theater in Knoxville: a place where people in the community can get together, have birthday parties, and preserve the theater for its original purpose,” he said.
All proceeds from the golf tournament will benefit the foundation and its initiatives to preserve and improve the culture of Carter County. If the theater is auctioned to a private buyer, he said funds will go towards other community programs and projects and will stay within the county.
Registration for the tournament is $50 per individual or $200 for a team of four. Prizes will be awarded in a putting contest as well as to the golfers that score a hole in one, claim the longest drive, and land closest to the hole.
Registration will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a lunch catered by Fatz Cafe at noon and a 1 p.m. shotgun start. Red tees and mulligans are available for $10.
“This an opportunity to compete with the best golfers in the Tri-Cities while supporting a good cause,” said Yarlett.
Sponsorship packages are available for area businesses and individuals interested in showing their support. The eagle package includes one team entry, hole sponsorship with signage and special recognition at the tournament ceremony for $800. The Birdie Package includes one team entry and a hole sponsorship for $400. Hole sponsorships are also available for $100.
Yarlett said they are grateful for the support of Borla, Fatz and Mapes, and he hopes others will recognize the importance of this cause.
To register a team or individual for the tournament, or to register as a sponsor, complete the attached registration form and mail it to Bucky Harris at 204 Ranger Drive, Elizabethton, Tn, 37643, or register online at etf.webconnex.com/eccfgolf. For more information, contact Harris at 423-914-1918. Registration forms are also available at the golf course and at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. They must be mailed to the above address.