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Golf tournament honors fallen athlete while benefitting others

Date: 7/7/2009

By Rick Sobey

Staff Intern



CHICOPEE -- His friends remember Tim Tontonoz as a healthy three-sport athlete at Chicopee High School who treated everyone in the most caring way. He unexpectedly lost his life in a car accident three years ago. Ever since that tragic day, there has been a golf tournament once a year to remember this loving soul.

The Third Annual Tim Tontonoz Memorial Golf Tournament will be taking place on July 18 at Chicopee Country Club. The money raised at this tournament will go toward the Tim Tontonoz Scholarship Foundation.

Phil Beaulieu, a tournament organizer, believes that it is important to sign up for this event. He thought that Tontonoz was a phenomenal person and it is essential to set aside a day to honor him.

"Tim was the most down to earth kid. He was the nicest kid to everyone," Beaulieu said. "This tournament is very important to his parents. Only five minutes after the tournament has been completed they are already looking forward to next year.

"It is also great to support the scholarships and help pay the tuition for the student athletes," he continued.

Mike Cassimiro, another event organizer, thinks the tournament is a great way to remember Tontonoz.

"He was such a fun loving kid," Cassimiro said. "Tim had a great spirit, he was easy-going, and he always stayed positive. He lived life to its fullest."

The scholarships are awarded each year to one male and one female student athlete from Chicopee High School. The requirements to receive this scholarship are to participate in multiple sports, be among the top of the class and submit an essay about future plans. Starting this year, Tontonoz's parents will choose the two recipients.

The tournament will begin at 12:30 p.m. with a shotgun start, and the tournament format is a scramble.

It costs $340 per foursome, which includes carts, lunch and dinner. The tournament costs $85 for a single player, which includes a cart, lunch and dinner. To attend the dinner only, the cost is $35.

Checks should be made payable to the Tim Tontonoz Memorial Fund. Sign up sheets and checks must be mailed by July 10 and sent to Michael Slater, 17 Moureau Dr., Chicopee, MA 01020.

In addition to players, the tournament is looking for sponsors. There are three levels of sponsorship -- Platinum, Gold and Silver.

The Platinum level costs $125 and the business receives a sign on the scoreboard, golf cart and one tee box. The Gold level costs $100 and the business receives a sign on the scoreboard (or golf cart) and one tee box. The Silver level costs $75 and the business receives a sign on one tee box.

Any additional contributions for special awards, such as products or gift certificates, can be used for the tournament prizes or raffle.

Checks from interested sponsors should be made payable to the Tim Tontonoz Memorial Fund. Mail sponsorship sign-ups and checks to Michael Slater at the above address.

For more information, contact Slater at 335-2693, Beaulieu at 575-8289, or Cassimiro at 204-3906.