(Jacksonville, Fl-) On October 3, 2006 the 8th Annual Sheriff's Cup Charity Golf Classic raised over $60,000.00 for the Police Athletic League.  Last year the event raised over $38,000 and the increase this year is attributed to the generosity of local corporations.  "Business leaders in our community understand the need for investing in the Police Athletic League so PAL can continue offering quality programs to ALL children in Jacksonville." said Sheriff John H. Rutherford.  "I am very pleased with how supportive the business community is, and I want to thank and recognize our sponsors for their generosity," says Rutherford. 

$5,000 Gold Sponsors included;
• De Prince, Race & Zollo, Inc
• Jacksonville Auto Dealers Association
 

$2500 Silver Sponsors included;
• Alliance Bernstein Capital Management
• CSX Transportation
• Independence Investments, Inc
• Douglas McKeige / Klausner & Kaufman PA
• Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #530
 

Other civic minded corporations who  generously participated as $1000.00 Bronze Sponsors included; Baxter Luther, Coca Cola, Chicago Equity, Eaton Vance,  Florida Rock Industries, Inc., Howard Dale, INVESCO, Law Enforcement Games,  Pop Warner Football, Sawgrass Asset Management, State Street Bank, The Stellar Group,  and Wachovia.    

Fire House Subs once again generously provided lunch for the eager golfers. After winning the Sheriff's Cup, golfers,  Wayne Griffis, Casey Clements, Jay Davis, Richard Brown and the rest of the participants retired to the main ball room of the Deerwood Golf and Country Club  for an Outback Steak House sponsored dinner, followed by a live auction and drawing of door prizes. The auction items were sports memorabilia donated by the Jacksonville Jaguars and visiting NFL and college teams during the 2005 and 2006 season. Jeff Prosser and Harmon Wages emceed the auction, and good naturedly kept donations rolling in.  With the generous support of the corporations, restaurants, NFL Teams and participants, the golf tournament exceeded last years total by over $23,000. 

Lieutenant Bobby Deal, Executive Director of PAL is overjoyed with the success of this year's event. "The money will be used to fund our ongoing projects, such as the Acclaimed BrightStart! Dyslexia Program and the Academic Tutoring Program."  PAL programs are dedicated to targeting not only the athletic ability of children, but the academic as well. "We recognize that successful futures are attainable through a balanced mixture of education and physical activities," added Deal.

The Police Athletic League of Jacksonville is a 501(c)3 non-profit, youth service organization that has been serving the youth of Jacksonville since 1972.  
Mission Statement:  PAL provides safe activities for the youth of Jacksonville in an effort to reduce juvenile crime and instill positive values, character, and leadership skills, Our athletic and educational programs emphasize positive interaction with law enforcement officers and other adult role models.

                                    ###