PREPARING FOR GOLF SCRAMBLE — Officials at the Brooke Hancock Family Resource Network are gearing up for its upcoming golf scramble fundraiser. Those helping to make the event a success include from left, Nichole Riggle, parent educator; Olivia Huff, parent educator; and Mary Ann McCartney, public relations specialist. -- Contributed

WEIRTON — Known for always helping others, the Brooke Hancock Family Resource Network has been serving citizens of Brooke and Hancock counties during times when they need help the most.

But now the organization is the one seeking help from its community.

The agency will be hosting its inaugural golf scramble at 10 a.m. Sept. 9 at the Mountaineer Woodview Golf Course, located at 805 Ballantyne Road, New Cumberland.

The scramble is the first fundraiser the resource network has undertaken as a way to help the agency continue to assist the residents of the Northern Panhandle.

“Although we have been very fortunate to receive federal, state and local grant funds through the years, I have made it a priority to strategize a sustainability plan for the BHFRN,” explained Janna Gordon, executive director of the group. “The economy is forever changing, but the issues that our children and families face are quite constant. We cannot afford to drop the ball on our community members.”

In addition to its Weirton location, the organization opened new offices in Chester and Wellsburg in order to reach as many residents as they can within its service area. The agency is home to several programs in Brooke and Hancock counties, including its three locations with food/hygiene pantries, a substance abuse prevention program, the Northern Panhandle Parents as Teachers Program and the Disability Acceptance Coalition.

“The BHFRN is different because we are continuously thinking outside of the box to bring resources to families,” Gordon said. “We look at the issues facing our community and strategize how we can offer solutions to make a difference that will stand out.

“We work to fill the gaps and to think about problems from multiple points of view so that we are as inclusive and well-rounded as possible.”

Gordon said the golf scramble is looking for foursomes to participate in the 18-hole fundraiser. They are seeking sponsors and gift baskets, as well. Individual donations are welcome, Gordon noted.

The cost for a foursome to play is $300. This includes drink tickets and dinner.

Those who are interested in being a sponsor will have four levels from which to select: The bronze level will allow a business or individual to sponsor a sign at one of the 18 holes for $150; the silver level will allow one to get a sign at the hole and a spotlight on its social media campaign for $350; and a gold-level sponsorship of $550 will get donors all of the silver-level rewards along a foursome recognition during the awards ceremony following the scramble.

A platinum sponsorship at $1,250 per sponsor will receive two foursomes to play golf, their logo placed on print and media advertising, as well as all signs and will be given special recognition during the awards ceremony.

All levels allow for promotional material to be placed in swag bags, which will be given to all participants.

Gordon said the event is welcoming and will be fun for even those who do not golf.

“There will be food trucks, amazing baskets, big-ticket auction items, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and lots and lots of camaraderie,” Gordon concluded.

“We are hoping to put on a scramble that is full of laughs and good-spirited competition. We have gotten some exceptional items for our drawings and auction that will surely speak to anyone, not just golf enthusiasts,” she concluded.

Sign-ups to participate or those wanting to make a donation to the BHFRN, can call (304) 748-7850 between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For information on the golf scramble or the programs offered by the agency, visit the Facebook page which includes QR codes used for registering a foursome.