S
o you've set a date for your char-
ity golf tournament – now what?
According to Diane Plichta, Clas-
sic Club's Charitable Sales and Golf
Manager, the next step is to line up
sponsors as soon as possible.
"Many don't realize how labor-inten-
sive securing sponsors is," she says.
Just as crucial to an event's success is
organization, so make a list of potential
sponsors and assemble a sponsorship
kit that includes great benefits, Plichta
says. Then start knocking on doors.
"Companies get contacted all the time
to sponsor events, so you need to stand
out," Plichta says. "Talking to potential
sponsors in person and presenting the
event as organized will help do that."
Once you secure sponsors, you'll
want to keep them. Delivering on your
promise of brand recognition through
signage is a good first step. Offer com-
plimentary rounds in the tournament,
invite the CEO to hand out prizes, or
include golf balls with the company's
logo. If sponsors are happy with the
outcome, they'll be back.
"And don't forget to follow up,"
Plichta says. "Send a thank you note
and let them know how much was
raised and where their money went."
Sponsorships ideally cover the cost
of hosting a charity tournament, which
runs about half the average at Classic
Club due to its non-profit status. But
donations shouldn't stop there.
Auctions, raffles, and on-course
games can generate more for a charity.
A helicopter ball drop, where attendees
buy a numbered ball and the winner
splits the pot with the charity, is a fun
addition to a tournament. Players can
also buy mulligans, make bets at desig-
nated holes, or join the putting contest.
"Sponsors, auctions and raffles are
the three top things you need to make
money for your charity," Plichta says.
"Get started early."
SAVE THE DATE
PLAYING FOR CHARIT Y
AT CLASSIC CLUB
H
ere are the upcoming
charity tournaments at
Classic Club:
>
Oct. 9: The Spotlight 29
Casino is hosting a tourna-
ment to benefit the Native
American Land Conservatory,
which aims to acquire, pre-
serve, and protect Native
American sacred lands.
>
nov. 14: The Palm Springs
Celebrity Invitational will be
held to benefit Camp of
Champions, a sports pro-
gram for kids in the greater
Coachella Valley.
>
nov. 16: Luke's Legacy
Foundation will be hosting
Paws Fore a Cause to benefit
pet rescue operations in the
Coachella Valley.
>
nov. 20: USC will be host-
ing a tournament to benefit
the Norris Comprehensive
Cancer Center.
>
dec. 8: The Ranch Recov-
ery Center will host a tourna-
ment to benefit its drug and
addiction programs.
IMprEss fOr succEss
The best way to secure and keep sponsors for your event
chArITy TOurnAMEnTs
BOOK
A TEE
TIME
> C L I C K H E R E F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N O N B O O K I N G A N D P L A N N I N G Y O U R C H A R I T Y G O L F T O U R N A M E N T
Sponsors will enjoy the elegance of
Classic Club's expansive clubhouse.
