Preparations on par for annual PRISM golf tournament

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Kristen Sherman

A group of entrepreneurship students organize sponsorship signs in preparation for the 12th annual PRISM golf tournament. PRISM uses four levels of sponsorship to help achieve its goal of raising $5,000.

Kyle Soto, Staff Writer

Product Resource International at Starr’s Mill will host its 12th annual PRISM golf tournament starting at 10 a.m. on March 30 at Braelinn Golf Club.

Students in PRISM, a student-run business program through the entrepreneurship classes, are in charge of managing the annual golf tournament with the primary goal of raising $5,000 for the program. They must decide where the event will be held, who the sponsors are,  and which prizes will be given to the golfers. They essentially oversee everything that goes into the event, and there is little involvement from business teacher Jeffrey Klein with the exception of some instructional guidance.

If a business is interested in participating, they can donate a prize, play in the tournament, or become a sponsor.

— Staff Writer Kyle Soto

“This year we have three times as many students taking entrepreneurship as we have the previous 10 years so there are more opportunities for more people to get involved in the tournament,” Klein said. “We still expect a few more groups to come in so we can have upwards of 60 or 70 players and 15 to 20 sponsors.”

Setting up the tournament requires a tremendous amount of work from the classes. Students have to set it up and make sure to keep every sponsor and player informed. Preliminary preparations for the tournament began in December with students across all three class periods calling businesses in the local area. Students informed these local businesses of the event and followed up by sending them flyers and pamphlets.

Students also reap beneficial life and business lessons from the experience as a whole. Students practice communication skills with adults in a professional business atmosphere either on the phone or in person.

PRISM gains sponsorships for the golf tournament by visiting businesses in the local area during school hours to present them with information regarding the tournament. If a business is interested in participating, they can donate a prize, play in the tournament, or become a sponsor.

Businesses may get involved at four different sponsorship levels. They can choose from platinum, gold, silver, and bronze. This year, platinum is the “own a hole” level where that particular business has a sign on a certain hole. Other levels include the business name on the class t-shirt and/or being mentioned at the pre- and post-game ceremony. So far, the organization has acquired 12 sponsors and 15 different prizes.

“Playing and sponsoring in the tournament allows players to enjoy a great day at a wonderful golf course with friends and to compete for various prizes,” Klein said. “The proceeds of the tournament go to aiding in career tech organizations, transportation, and competitions.”

Players can sign up individually for $75 or as a foursome for $300. Contact Klein or email [email protected] for more information.