MARYSVILLE The fourth annual golf tournament to benefit Families and Friends of Violent Crime Victims will be held July 20 at Cedarcrest Golf Course, as the summer classic becomes an even more essential funding source for the statewide group.
Also known as Sheriff Barts Charity Golf Tournament, the tourney has been a crucial element for the organization, a group dedicated to assisting the survivors of some of the worst crimes for more than 32 years. Families and Friends helps the families of murder victims, adult missing persons and many others by providing counseling and walking them through the steps of the legal system as perpetrators are charged and tried for their crimes. This is regardless of the severity of the cases and at no cost, even if a case hasnt been filed or reported to police.
Were one of the oldest victims assistance organizations in the U.S., said organizer Carla Hackett. We do this through highly trained volunteers and several staff members.
Snohomish County Sheriff Rick Bart said the event has found a home in Marysville after a misfire at another location, and that money raised by the duffers is getting more and more essential to the groups mission as federal grant dollars from the nations capitol are drying up.
The tournament is both a social and financial success, raising about $12,000 each year, according to Hackett. The $95 per person cost includes a barbecue, and there will be drawing for prizes donated by the community and an award ceremony emceed by Bart. There will be a short presentation by Families and Friends explaining just what they do and how important it is.
She encouraged people to sign up by July 15 and said there should still be room for latecomers the day of the tourney but warned them not to expect a cart. Teams of four play best ball scores, and its a shotgun start at 8 a.m. with the barbecue at 1:30 p.m.
For more information or to sign up, call Hackett at 425-252-6081 to reserve a space, or log onto the groups Web site at www.fnfvcv.org. The cost is $95 per person, $380 for foursomes.