COLUMBUS - The Columbus Rescue Mission is holding its first golf tournament to benefit and continue its ministry.

The golf outing is scheduled for 1 p.m. June 16 at the Elks Country Club.

Chaplain Ted Pearson said the Rescue Mission is looking for support from area businesses.

&#8220This event is directed towards businesses,” Pearson said. &#8220Profits from this tournament will go directly to the Columbus Rescue Mission to support the annual budget.”

Donations received usually are not enough to pay the mission's expenses and with the rising cost of utilities, Pearson said. A fundraising event was created to help cover the deficit.

&#8220January through September, the donations usually don't cover our expenses,” he said. &#8220October through January we have an excess of funds (from the season's donations).”

We don't know what the deficit will be come August and September, so we are trying to be proactive and raise some money in June so we are not in the red.”

The tournament is a four-person scramble. The entry fee of $300 per team includes green fees, cart, team prizes, flag prizes, Rescue Mission golf hats and lunch on the course.

Teams can consist of any combination of men, women and children. Individuals and pairs may register to be teamed up with others to form a group of four.

Businesses also may &#8220sponsor” a hole for $500 or half a hole for $300. Sponsorship includes business recognition in event advertising prior to and after the tournament. Signs will be placed on each hole recognizing the business or businesses sponsoring that hole. Hole sponsor fees are not included in individual or team entry fees.

Pearson said he has received a lot of positive feedback for the event. &#8220There are churches that have opted to sponsor holes,” he said, but the Rescue Mission is open to accepting many more.

&#8220Because the Rescue Mission is an alcohol-free ministry,” Pearson said, &#8220we are asking that all participants abstain from drinking alcohol during the event.”

Jerry Tagge, the quarterback for the Nebraska Cornhusker football team during their 1970 and '71 national championship seasons, will be the guest speaker following play.

Pearson said the Rescue Mission is hoping the golf tournament will be a success and become an annual event.