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Balls, Tees, Golf Clubs and Bags, A day for fun and friendly golf competition! The Allen Community Outreach is proud to present the 3rd Annual ACO Golf Classic. The golf tournament was designed for fun and enjoyment for players of all skill levels, with a chance to win prizes and gifts, all the while raising awareness for the needs of our community.

All proceeds for the ACO Golf Classic will benefit the programs of Allen Community Outreach, which has been serving families in crisis in our communities for 23 years. Its’ mission is "We Transform Lives" by addressing basic human service needs for the residents of Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Through its programs, ACO helps families in time of need regain their independence. ACO’s efforts, though the generous support of local individuals and businesses have helped 77% of our clients from becoming a homeless statistic. Last year alone ACO kept 600 children ages 0-17 from homelessness.

The fun begins early on Monday, September 22, at the beautiful Heritage Ranch Golf and Country Club in Fairview. Registration begins at 10 a.m. Individual players are $125 or sign up with a foursome for $400. The format is a 4-player scramble. A boxed lunch, access to the driving range opening at 11:30 a.m., and a barbeque buffet and awards dinner are all included in the player fee. Shotgun start is at 1 p.m. Register online at www.acocares.org or call ACO for a registration form, 972-727-9131.

Contests include Chipping and Putting which begin at 10:30 a.m., Hole-In-One, Closest to the Pin for the top male and female, and Longest Drive for the top male and female. Raffle prizes and drawings offer a custom fit hybrid, wedge or putter, and a 3-day/2-night resort vacation to Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta, and many others.

The day wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors. Please help us thank and support the following: Signature Sponsor: Zurich North America, Master Sponsors: Capital One Bank, RISC Employee Charity Fund, Event Sponsor: Nautilus Insurance Group, Day Sponsors: American National Bank, Stacy Furniture, Pettinger, Nuspl & Crumley, Okmetic Inc., Admiral Insurance, Hole Sponsors: ColorDymanics, Inc., Atrium Financial. If you would like to become a sponsor, please contact Judy Webster at 972-727-9131 or judy@acocares.org.

Contest and Prize sponsors include Allen Premium Outlets, Bob Tomes Ford, Greg Kordoban Chiliwear Collegiate Shirts, Elke’s Market Café, Henry’s Homemade Ice Cream, In Touch Therapy & Day Spa, Signs By Tomorrow, Subaru of Plano.

While you mark off your checklist and get ready for a great day on the course, know that you are helping ACO with our checklist as well. Each day we must make sure that we have the donations and dollars to cover the needs of the families who are facing eviction notices, utility cut-offs, and empty pantries with no food for their children. Over the summer months ACO’s caseload has doubled with many new families coming through our doors asking for help for the first time. They are facing high fuel costs, high electric bills, higher grocery bills, and having to choose which bills to pay because they simply can’t pay them all. It’s a challenge for these families, and a challenge for ACO caseworkers to manage and counsel. But thanks to your support of this event and your donations, it’s a mark on our checklist when we can help them with a partial payment for their rent this month, and hand them a bag of toilet paper, diapers and laundry detergent, with some snack foods for the kids. Have a great day of golf with Allen Community Outreach, and know that you are making a family’s month a little easier with your support. For more information contact ACO at 972-727-9131 or visit us on the web at www.acocares.org. To volunteer your time contact marjorie@acocares.org.