The College of the Canyons Foundation’s 24th Annual Golf Tournament is right around the corner, and local golfers are invited to “Swing for Scholarships” by enjoying a day out of the office and on the golf course.

The tournament will take place Monday, August 4, and is once again being hosted by Valencia Country Club. Proceeds from this year’s event will help support COC scholarships and other support programs, which impact a broad range of individuals.

“We are excited to once again be supporting student scholarships through this year’s tournament,” said Joe Klocko, chair of the COC Foundation’s golf tournament committee. “Scholarships provide much needed financial support to students in these challenging economic times, and can be especially helpful to students trying to balance school with life’s other responsibilities.”

One example of that delicate balancing act can be found in COC student and Saugus High School graduate Nicholas Adomaitis, recipient of the 2013 Foundation Golf Tournament Scholarship.

A focused and determined student, Adomaitis is currently working toward an associate degree in business accounting. After his time at COC, he plans to transfer to California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB), and pursue a bachelor’s degree in public administration.

Luckily for Adomaitis, he won’t have to venture too far from home, with CSUB offering its public administration program at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center.

“I’m currently working my way through school, but I don’t qualify for any type of traditional financial aid. Every semester the high cost of living and price of textbooks stretch my finances to the max,” Adomaitis said. “The scholarship I received from the COC Foundation has helped me bridge that financial gap.

“That support has helped me stay on track to transfer,” Adomaitis said, “and put me on a path to reach all of my educational goals.”

In response to the growing need within the college’s student population, the COC Foundation has continually worked to raise funds to provide increased educational opportunities for students and community members of all ages.

“The cost of education is one of the major barriers for students looking to enroll in college,” said Tom Bilbruck, COC Financial Aid Director. “Scholarships provide an important financial resource for students who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend college. Students who receive scholarships are also better able to focus on their education, as opposed to having to worry about how they will pay for it.”

Single player tournament sponsorship opportunities begin at $350 and include a pre-tournament breakfast, driving range privileges, player’s bag, cart, greens fee, lunch, specialty on-course cuisine and beverages, and access to a cocktail awards reception in which every player will be entered to win a golfing package at Valencia Country Club.

Players can also opt for the $700 ‘Caddy Sponsor’ package, which includes two player spots (with all single player benefits) and a sponsor tee sign, or the $1,750 ‘Birdie Sponsor’ package, which includes four player spots (with all single player benefits) and a company tee sign.  If you are not a golfer, support can be given through non-player opportunities such as Beverage or Breakfast Sponsor, each for $1,500.

Additionally, one company can still claim the tournament’s Title or Presenting Sponsor opportunity along with all associated promotional benefits.

All sponsored teams also have the option of filling their fourth player spot with a current or former member of the state champion College of the Canyons golf team.

For more information or to register as a player or sponsor, visit www.canyons.edu/Offices/Foundation/ or contact Michele Edmonson at (661) 362-3435 or Cindy Biehahn at (661) 362-3737.