The fourth annual “Tee It Up for Character” golf tournament recently drew 88 good sports in support of the one-and-only fund-raiser for the CHARACTER COUNTS! program in Martin County.

Monarch Country Club hosted the tourney April 27. The four-person scramble was followed by a buffet, awards ceremony and auction.

"It was a perfect day all around," said CHARACTER COUNTS! director Terri May. "The golfers had a great time playing the course and supporting the CC! program through raffles, auction items and various games. The generosity of our golfers, sponsors and Ray McNulty made the event our most successful tournament so far."

Stuart News columnist Ray McNulty, fresh from covering the Winter Olympics and the Masters golf tournament, was another good sport. For a $10 donation, players could try to "Beat the Scribe" on one of the par 3 holes.

The presenting sponsor of the event was Publix Super Markets Charities. Other major tournament sponsors were Lively Orthodontics, Phyllis Kordick, Martin Memorial Health Systems, First National Bank & Trust Co., Ampersand Graphics and The Enjoyment Book.

On the golf side of the event, the top foursomes were as follows:

• 1st Gross – Tom Wilkinson, Rudy Johnson, George Pacheco, George Wafer.

• 1st Net – Stan March, Jim Bird, Jamie Semmler, Gary Whigam.

• 2nd Net – Jim Dante, Mike Maurer, Lou Barattieri, Mark Maurer.

"For 10 years CHARACTER COUNTS! has provided character-building activities in schools, civic organizations and businesses, encouraging sportsmanship and increasing public awareness of the importance of core ethical values," Ms. May said. "This golf fund-raiser will help to ensure these activities continue."

For more information regarding CHARACTER COUNTS!, a program of United Way of Martin County, please visit www.charactercounts.net or call (772) 283-4800, ext. 234.

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