Golfing for the homeless

Ahwatukee Foothills sports bar A-Town Tavern and Eatery is hosting a charity golf tournament this Sunday to benefit St. Vincent de Paul society in Phoenix.

The four-person scramble will begin with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Jan. 31 at Club West Golf Course in Ahwatukee Foothills.

Tavern employees have a history of volunteering with St. Vincent de Paul, an international nonprofit that aids the homeless and working poor, and were looking for another way to benefit the organization.

As a restaurant, A-Town partnered with other local eateries in December 2008 to benefit the “Adopt a Family” through St. Vincent de Paul. The group raised money, donated food and presents, and delivered the items for the holiday season.

“I like that a majority of the money goes to the people in need,” said A-Town co-owner Jamie Bethune. “They don’t spend a lot on advertising and overhead. You know the money that’s given to them is going to help people.”

Bethune and co-owner Alan Orton have been planning the tournament for about three months, and all proceeds will benefit St. Vincent de Paul programs, which provide medical and dental aid, charity dining rooms, thrift stores, a housing shelter and other assistance for those in need.

Entry fees are $100 per person, and include range balls, two drink tickets, a buffet at A-Town following the tournament, and prizes for several contests, including highest score and ugliest golf apparel.

Mulligans can be purchased for $5 or five canned goods.

Hole sponsoring is available for $75.

A-Town plans to make the tournament an annual event, but because it’s in its first year, they did not set a fundraising goal.

“We’re just trying to get the word out, and raise as much as possible,” Bethune said.

In addition to monetary donations, A-Town is also accepting donations of blankets, toys and books for St. Vincent de Paul’s dining room.

The charity’s goal is that every child who visits is able to leave with a new book or gift. Participants can bring donations to the tournament or to A-Town Tavern and Eatery, located at 3820 E. Ray Road.

There was no deadline for registration, but about half of the 144 spots available were filled as of mid-week.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to call A-Town at (480) 706-1518, or visit the tavern’s Web site, www.atowntavernandeatery.com.

Kathleen Gormley is interning this semester for the Ahwatukee Foothills News. She is a sophomore at Arizona State University.