LOCK HAVEN - When Devin Seyler learned that he had to complete a community service project for his Leadership class at Lock Haven University, he knew right away what he wanted to do.
And now, several months later, the plans are in place, donations are coming in and the excitement is building for the Charles M. Sabatini Memorial Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 30, at Belles Springs Golf Course.
All proceeds will go to the local chapter of the American Cancer Society in memory of Sabatini, Devin's grandfather, who lost his battle to cancer in December.
Article Photos
LHU student Devin Seyler, left, accepts a check from Horizon Federal Credit Union employee Hana Miller as a donation in the Charles M. Sabatini Memorial Golf Tournament. At right is Devin’s mother, Kim Seyler, who is helping her son with his community project in honor of her father and Devin’s grandfather.
"As soon as my professor started to explain what he wanted us to do, I knew instantly that I was going to do a golf tournament. Pap loved to golf and taught me all about the sport when I was very young. He followed me in all my tournaments throughout my life. I want to do this to thank him," Devin said.
Born and raised in Lock Haven, Devin is the son of Don and Kim Seyler of Mill Hall. A 2009 graduate of Central Mountain High School, Devin is a junior majoring in Sports Administration and Management at LHU.
And he loves golf ... just like his grandfather, who taught him at a very early age how to master the course. "This tournament is in memory of him."
"I'm just a regular college student who wants to give something back to an organization that did so much for my family in time of need. The American Cancer society is a very important organization in our community and they need our help to try and get rid of this terrible disease," Devin said.
Devin noted that his grandfather, who lived in Renovo, isn't the only member of his family who has felt the pain of cancer. His aunt, Ann Hagenbuch was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2011. "Now she's a one-year survivor," he said.
Devin's mom, Kim, has been helping her son with his project.
"The American Cancer Society is a wonderful organization," she said. "The support they give to individuals and families who are battling this disease is truly remarkable. I don't think most people realize how much they have to offer. I know I didn't until we had to call upon them for help."
Golfers wishing to participate in the tournament, which begins at 9 a.m., can pick up registration forms at Belle Spring Golf Course in Mackeyville, Willits Copy in Lock Haven or by contacting Devin at dseyler38@ gmail.com or dseyler@ lhup.edu. Devin can also be reached by phone at 570-295-8845 (cell) or 570-726-9964 (home).
The registration fee is $65 and includes participation in the tournament, a Continental breakfast, beverages, picnic luncheon after the tournament, greens fee and cart, two mulligans and a raffle ticket. There will also be a 50/50 drawing and door prizes.
Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams with the lowest gross team score. Deadline for registration is June 1.
The family is also asking corporate sponsors to help offset expenses. With a $350 donation the sponsor will receive a full page acknowledgment in the program, two hole sponsorship signage at holes one and 10 near the clubhouse, and four event t-shirts with business sponsor on the back. The t-shirts will be worn by staff on event day.
For $200, sponsors will receive sponsorship signage at Hole 1 near the clubhouse and a quarter-page acknowledgment in the program.
Cash donations are being accepted through Horizon Federal Credit Union, c/o Devin Seyler, Memorial Golf Tournament, 217 W. Bald Eagle St., Lock Haven, Pa. 17745.
