Issue date: 11/16/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Courtesy Photo Senior finance major Spencer Hough and senior economics major Logan Campbell present a representative from Operation Home Front with a check Sunday at the Briarcrest Country Club to support families of the Fort Hood shooting victims. [Click to enlarge]

The Interfraternity Council organized a golf tournament at the Briarcrest Country Club in Bryan Sunday to benefit the Fort Hood shooting victims' families. From 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., 26 teams competed in the traditional "two-man scramble" tournament. The teams included members from various fraternities united in support of American troops.

"It was a way for fraternity men to give their support to the families of those injured at Fort Hood," said the council's Vice President of Public Relations Ben Peterson. "In addition, numerous sponsorships were obtained and players had the opportunity to win items like a Texas A&M Tag Heuer watch from David Gardner and a custom suit from JoS. A. Bank."

The participation fee was $60 per person and included 18 holes, a golf cart and a T-shirt. In the past, the council has presented the revenue generated from the tournament to the Still Creek Boys and Girls Ranch in Bryan, Texas. However, the tragedy at Fort Hood deeply touched the members, Peterson said.

"The Interfraternity Council was initially going to donate the proceeds of the tournament to the Still Creek Boys and Girls Ranch," he said. "But after hearing about the tragedy at Fort Hood, we knew that it was a cause that we'd like to put our energy into.

"After much research, Spencer Hough, vice president of Interfraternal Relations for IFC and organizer of the golf tournament, felt as though Operation Home Front would be the best choice."

The council worked in conjunction with Operation Home Front, and the Emergency Tragedy Fund to provide financial aid to the families of soldiers injured or killed. A representative from Operation Home Front was present to accept the council's donation and to share a few words with the participants.

"She expressed sincere gratitude and shared some touching stories with the players," Peterson said. "Last week, she visited Fort Hood and met with the family of one of the soldiers that was shot six times by the gunman. Although it wasn't easy, she knew that the funds raised by Operation Home Front would help families of soldiers."

Ninety-five percent of all funds raised will go directly to troops in need.

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