Calling all golfers , amateurs and pro , Aids Walk San Diego will host its seventh annual Ben Lewis Memorial Golf Tournament on June 7.
The tournament, held at the Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course in La Jolla, serves as a fund-raiser that helps thousands of San Diegans living with HIV and AIDS.
All proceeds from the golf tournament will be donated to local HIV and AIDS service providers such as Mama’s Kitchen and Being Alive to help improve the lifestyles of people living with the disease.
“The reaction has been great,” said Bob Mozzi, executive director for the local, nonprofit fund-raising organization. “It’s grown from eight buddies playing golf to an organized tournament.”
The memorial tournament was founded by local businessman Steve Lewis in honor of his late brother, Ben, who died of AIDS.
Since its inception, the tournament has donated more than $150,000 to local service providers.
This year organizers are hoping to hit the 144 maximum participant mark, and has over 70 golfers registered so far, Mozzi said.
“I think it’s important for business owners, community members or friends to come out and contribute to make a difference,” Mozzi said.
According to Mozzi, 11,000 residents in San Diego County are reported to have AIDS.
Aidswalk is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of persons infected and affected with HIV and AIDS.
Tee time is set to begin at 1 p.m., followed by an awards barbecue, raffle and silent auction. The tournament fee is $175 per person. For information, call (619) 291-9255 or go to the Web site (www.aidswalksd.org).
