ACC scholarship scramble set for Saturday

The Alpena Community College Foundation will hold its 12th annual golf fund-raiser Saturday at the Alpena Golf Club. The Robert M. Granum Memorial Scramble for Scholarships will begin at 9 a.m. with a shot-gun start.

Foundation Executive Director Penny Boldrey said in addition to raising money for scholarships, the day should be a great deal of fun.

Golfers paid a $90 entry fee which includes an 18 hole game of golf, beverages and lunch. Alpena Power company will once again provide lunch at this year's scramble.

Boldrey said she is extremely pleased with the amount of support coming in from area businesses that are asked to support so many other worthy causes, and is glad they recognize the importance in supporting the college.

"The business community has once again stepped up to the plate to support this event through hole and cart sponsorships," Boldrey said. "We probably have over 60 area businesses who are supporting this activity."

This will be 7th year Lafarge has been the events corporate sponsor. Alpena Pontiac Buick GMC will sponsor the hole in one again this year. One lucky golfer has the opportunity to win a 2009 Pontiac Vibe if they make a hole in one. Golfers will also be able to win golf packages at area golf courses.

Last year's tournament raised $19,100 for the scholarship program. The foundation has raised over $187,445 from the tournament to provide funding for students at Alpena Community College. Last year, the foundation was able to award 231 scholarships to students, which exceeded $125,000.

"For many of our students, if it weren't for scholarships, they wouldn't be able to walk through doors," she said. "So they really are vital."

Boldrey estimates the college will raise between $18-$19,000 at this year's fund-raiser, and said every year the foundation is able to offer more scholarships to its students. Last year the foundation offered 10 new scholarships to students. The scholarships range from $100 to full tuition.

The foundation, which was established 26 years ago, renamed the tournament in 2004 as a memorial to its good friend and community leader Robert M. Granum. Granum lent his financial expertise to the foundation during his tenure with its board of trustees and contributed to the foundation's growth.

Two teams of Granum's family members, including Jaquie and her sons along with Chris, Greg and Rock Granum, will be playing in this year's tournament.

Crystal Nelson can be reached via e-mail at cnelson@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5693.