The Ninth Annual Winkie Glisson Memorial Golf Tournament is taking place Aug. 2 at the Black Creek Golf Course.

The event, which raises money for local cancer victims, is in need of sponsors.

Wendell "Winkie" Glisson was a Black Creek resident, a sergeant with the Georgia State Patrol and a regular at the Black Creek Golf Course.

Organizers started up this annual tournament in order to continue Glisson’s outreach efforts of helping out local people who were diagnosed with cancer. Glisson passed away at the age of 49 after being diagnosed with cancer himself.

So far to date, the annual Glisson tournament has raised $70,000 to help over 70 local cancer patients. A memorial headstone sits at the Black Creek course memorializing Glisson as well as some of those individuals who were helped through these funds and have passed. A new name was added this week.

"Although he never talked about it, Winkie had a history of trying to help people who had cancer," said friend and event co-coordinator Ted Akins. "Just recently, I found out that Winkie had helped a neighbor of mine travel to Houston for treatment. Mike Brazell, Frank (course owner DuBose) and I were inspired to start this annual tournament in order to continue his legacy. Winkie was one of a kind and this is our way to sort of pay tribute to our good friend."

Akins said the proceeds originally went toward helping people travel to get proper care, "but, in recent years, Savannah has really upped its standard for cancer treatment. The money now goes towards other expenses that folks may incur as they cope with the disease."

Akins said the event usually draws strong participation, but it is not too late to sign up. Last year saw 120 participants. The entry fee is $65 per player. The format is a four-man scramble.

Akins said the biggest need is for hole sponsorship. There are three ways in which to participate as a sponsor:

- Gold sponsorship, $100. Basic hole sponsorship with a sign put up on the course naming the contributing company or individual.

- Silver sponsorship, $250. Sign on the course with another sign on display at the luncheon.

- Corporate sponsorship, $400. Sign on the course and covers all entry fees for a four-man team.

To become a sponsor or to find out more information about participating in the event, call Akins at 661-1248.