Golf Marathon Will Raise Funds for Homeless

GRAND RAPIDS, MI_Kent Country Club PGA Pro Charley Vandenberg, will play 24 hours of continuous golf beginning Father's Day evening to raise funds for Mel Trotter Ministries' shelter for women and children. Tee off for the Golf Marathon of Hope is scheduled for 6 p.m., on June 21, 1998, at The Pines Golf Course in Byron Center, Michigan.

The second Golf Marathon is the result of a six-year desire of Vandenberg's to use his golf abilities to help Mel Trotter Ministries provide food and shelter to the needy. Quoting Vandenberg, "It's sometimes hard to remember that there are people who don't have food and shelter when you're inside a nice warm house, but there are families living on the streets. As a father, I'm particularly concerned about children growing up in such tragic circumstances."

According to Skip Essick, Vice President and General Manager of Clear Channel Radio, the original 24-hour radioathon was launched by WOOD Radio because, "We believe that the Mel Trotter Women's and Children's Shelter will make a significant difference in West Michigan."

Plans for the 80-bed shelter located on the corner of Cherry and Commerce in Grand Rapids include Food Service certification, as well as computer proficiency, literacy, and GED completion. This expanded part of Mel Trotter Ministries' $6.8 million dollar Family Rescue Project continues the mission's 98-year commitment of providing help and hope to the hurting and homeless.


For more information, call Denny Cochran at 616-454-8249.