While the golf component of the fourth annual Sturge Golf Tournament & Dinner Reception is full, event committee members invite the Branford community to attend the dinner portion on Tuesday, June 2 at 6 p.m. at The Pine Orchard Country Club in support of local charities, such as the Community Dining Room of Branford, Branford youth sports, the Branford High School Scholarship Fund, the Cosgrove Animal Shelter, and the Connecticut Chapter ALS.

“This is our fourth season hosting this event and each year prior, we’ve not only accomplished our fundraising goals, we’ve increased participation and the number of charities we donate to,” said Daniel McNamara, an event committee member. “With the help of our community, we anticipate increasing participation and donations again in 2015.”

Jim Freund, also an event committee member, said that 16 foursomes played in the third annual Sturge Golf Tournament and more than 100 people attended the Dinner Reception in 2014. The event was organized in memory of Paul Sturgess, a Branford native, business owner, philanthropist, and Branford Hall of Fame athlete who succumbed to a very abrupt battle with an aggressive form of ALS on Feb. 26, 2012. The mentioned charities were favorites to Sturgess and the event continues his tradition of giving to each.

The tournament spots sold out quickly for 2015. However, sponsorships are still available and the dinner reception, live and silent auction, and raffle are very popular with those seeking a night out for a good cause. Dinner tickets are $50 per person and include hors d’oeuvres, a buffet, a carving station, and two drink tickets. To purchase tickets, contact either Jim Freund at 203-733-8818 or Tricia Wynne at 203-530-0502. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Dave Nanamaker at 203-481-7975. To donate items for the raffle and auction, contact John Kessler at 203-671-7533.

Information courtesy of Pauline Handy