Putting for a Cause

Steaks and Sticks celebrates 10 years of helping Rogers County Youth.

Two organizations dedicated to helping area youth reach their full potential are celebrating their 10th annual Steaks and Sticks Golf Tournament on Friday, June 21 at the Heritage Hills Golf Course in Claremore. The Claremore Zebra Sports Foundation and Rogers County Youth Services joined forces a decade ago to bring awareness to the two programs and the impact they have in the community.

    Funds from the four-person scramble are used to support the goals and missions of each ­organization, benefiting the youth of Rogers County. According to Herb McSpadden, RCYS director, the two groups decided to partner their resources and get more bang for their buck.

    RCYS is a private, ­non-profit United Way agency and part of a network of 41 youth service agencies across the state of Oklahoma since 1976. “The tournament helps fill in the 20 percent funding gap in our services that is not provided through state and area grants,” McSpadden says. “At RCYS, we serve kids from all over the state, including Tulsa. Since a golf tournament fit in with the ­philosophy of both organizations of encouraging our youth to get outdoors, we thought it was a good fit. Also, one of the event organizers serves on both of the organization’s boards.”

    Sean Cox, a board member and event coordinator, explains, “The Claremore Zebra Sport’s Foundation mission is to ­purchase and provide any ­equipment that helps with ­athletic conditioning and injury prevention training. We also help by offering education ­programs for coaches and staff.”

    Individuals and businesses can get involved in the annual event by either entering a ­four-man team or becoming a sponsor of the event. “It’s a great vehicle for the community and Rogers County to support two totally youth-oriented programs and have fun at the same time,” says Cox. “It’s also one of the best attended benefit golf ­tournaments at Heritage Hills, with more than 100 individuals joining in for a worthy cause.”

    To help raise funds for the cause, a four-person scramble team can enter for $75 per ­individual or $300 per team, which includes breakfast and lunch. All donations and ­sponsorships are tax-deductible.

    This is a shotgun start event with all teams beginning play at 8:30 a.m. Space is limited for the morning start time, so ­participants are encouraged to reserve their team early. Teams wishing to play in the afternoon can sign up for tee times, which will begin at 1 p.m. “The ­shotgun start allows the entire group of golfers to enjoy social time before the event and then afterwards as we eat lunch and watch the live on-site broadcast of ‘The Sports Animal.’ Al Jerkins and Pat Jones are always entertaining and enjoy visiting with those in attendance,” says Bret McGuire, event coordinator.

    Golfers can also look ­forward to winning prizes during a drawing based on the ­mulligans purchased. In the past, lawnmowers, weed eaters, golf bags and clubs as well as a round of golf for four at Patricia Island have been given away.

    Sponsorships for the annual event are available, including Hole Sponsor, $110; Lunch Sponsor, $750; Breakfast Sponsor, $200; Corporate Sponsor (6) at $600 or Corporate Sponsor and team, $750.

    Sponsorships selling fast include The Sports Animal Radio Sponsor – only five are available – for $1,000 or radio sponsor and a team at $1,200. This sponsorship includes ­airtime, speaking with the radio hosts and promoting your ­business. “This is one of the most listened to sport talk shows in Oklahoma,” says Dave Bethea, a RCYS board ­member.

    For more information, please contact Sean Cox at Summit Physical Therapy at (918) 342-3800.

For more information, contact

Sean Cox
Summit Physical Therapy

(918) 342-3800