For the City-Times

Golf United! – a Tuesday, Sept. 23, fundraiser for United Way of Portage County – will be the first opportunity members of the general public will have to play on the newly redesigned SentryWorld Golf Course in 2014.

Eighteen foursomes donated by SentryWorld are available for auction. Minimum bid is $500 per foursome, including continental breakfast, carts and lunch. Bidding is available for the right to start on a specific hole at SentryWorld, with all golfers starting play at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014.

Bidding is online only at www.biddingowl.com/golfunited between Tuesday, Aug. 19, and Friday, Sept. 12. Prior to the 10 a.m. shotgun start on Sept. 23, winning bidders will also have the opportunity to take a guided tour of the new facility, try out SentryWorld’s new and improved practice facilities and hear from a senior course architect on the reimagined SentryWorld experience.

“SentryWorld’s generosity and commitment to the Portage County community is clear. Allowing United Way to hold a fundraising auction for the public’s first opportunity to golf this beautifully redesigned course in 2014 just incredible,” said Sue Wilcox, United Way of Portage County Executive Director. “Time and time again, Sentry and its associates have shown they’ll do whatever it takes to help United Way meet its mission of improving people’s lives and strengthening our community.”

“What better way to give back to Portage County than this fundraiser for United Way,” said Mike James, SentryWorld general manager. “We know these 18 foursomes will enjoy the new course, and feel great about supporting such a worthy cause.”

James said Golf United! will also be the first opportunity for media to be on the course to take video and footage, and to talk to people involved in the redesign process.

The auction will begin closing at noon on Friday, Sept. 12, with one foursome closing every five minutes until 1:25 p.m.

Proceeds from the auction will go to United Way of Portage County, which will be in the middle of its 2014 campaign at the time of the event. Last year’s campaign raised nearly $2.8 million, with funds going back to the community to support United Way’s focus on Education, Income, Health, and Community Basics – the building blocks for a better life.

More information about the Golf United! is available by contacting Fred Hebblewhite, United Way of Portage County Director of Resource Development, at 715-341-6740 or [email protected]