For Immediate Release ~ PHOTOS INCLUDED

Contact:

Heather Leeke,
Marketing & Communications Director
Old Channel Trail Golf Course
(231) 894-5076
heather@octgolf.com

Liz Witzler, Marketing Director
Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, Inc.
(231) 722-7871 x223

April 21, 2004

Beautiful Results from ‘Ugly Pants’ Inaugural Event

Montague, Michigan – The 2004 Ugly Pants Open, held on Sunday, April 18, raised $ 279 for Goodwill Industries of West Michigan. Twenty two-somes competed in the scramble event on a gusty Sunday with the winning score going to Curt and Heather Babcock, with some help from their daughter, Ashley. The team of John Dillivan and Buddy Popps came in second. Closest to the Pin competitions were won by the teams of Mike Myers and Rob Anders; and Bob and Laura Hires.

“We thank Old Channel Trail for hosting this event,” said Goodwill Retail Director Jim Cherney. “It was a great opportunity to have a lot of fun while supporting our mission.”

Cherney won the award for the Ugliest Pants, but he had a little assistance. Goodwill retail department managers of all eight stores in West Michigan joined forces to seek out the ugliest pants in their respective stores. In their Wednesday meeting before the event, they gathered the ‘finalists’ together and voted on which pair Jim would don for the event. His ensemble came complete with golf tie and tulle golf belt.

Goodwill Board Member Ed Hunt wore the runner-up pants to the event. <Note: Cherney & Hunt are pictured in photo ‘uglypants_01’>

“We were delighted at the turnout and the genuine good-nature of everyone who attended the event,” said Old Channel Trail Golf Course Marketing and Communications Director Heather Leeke. “For an inaugural event, we could not have been more pleased. Next year’s event should be even better - players have a full year to get their outfits just right. Or wrong, as the case may be.”

Other outstanding pants were worn by Mitch Coleman, whose raspberry bell-bottoms featured rhinestones on the left cuff. Mitch and his wife Loretta won lessons from OCT professional Chris Cullen in a drawing at the event.

In addition to funds raised, donations of clothing and other goods filled the entryway of Old Channel Trail Golf Course, the site of the event. Everyone who donated received a certificate good for driving range balls or use of the practice holes at Old Channel Trail Golf Course.

Established in 1950, Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, Inc. is a nonprofit human service organization that provides skill development and work opportunities for people with barriers to employment. In the year 2003, Goodwill served 5,470 persons.

Old Channel Trail Golf Course is a 27 hole facility with a pro shop, driving range, three practice holes and a picnic area on the majestic bluffs above Lake Michigan. Located just 6 miles off of US 31, Old Channel Trail Golf Course was founded in 1926 and offers professional instruction, outings, events and more. More information about the course and its facilities can be found at www.OCTGOLF.com .

	Goodwill Retail Director Jim Cherney (Left) and Goodwill Board Member Ed Hunt (Right) demonstrate superior Ugly Pants form at the inaugural Ugly Pants Open golf scramble at Old Channel Trail Golf Course in Montague, Michigan. Cherney wore pants selected by the eight retail directors of Goodwill Stores in West Michigan, Hunt wore another pair selected by the group. Larger Image
	(L to R) Debra Lambers-Chappell, Jim McNeil, Steve Powell and Patti Powell show Ugly Pants but good golf form on the #4 hole of the Valley course at Old Channel Trail Golf Course during the Ugly Pants Open, a charity golf event for Goodwill Industries of West Michigan held April 18, 2004. Larger Image
	Debra Lambers-Chappell on the #3 hole of the Valley course at Old Channel Trail Golf Course during the Ugly Pants Open, a charity golf event for Goodwill Industries of West Michigan held April 18, 2004. Larger Image
	Heather Lorenz-Babcock, Ashley Babcock, Curt Babcock, Bev Lorenz and Jim Lorenz line up during the Ugly Pants Open, a charity golf event for Goodwill Industries of West Michigan held at Old Channel Trail Golf Course in Montague, Michigan, on April 18, 2004. The Babcock Team took first place in the 9-hole scramble event. Larger Image
	Twenty two-somes braved strong winds to wear their ugliest pants and raise funds for Goodwill Industries of West Michigan on April 18, 2004, during the Inaugural Ugly Pants Open. Larger Image
	Levonna Majeski and her daughter Marilyn Knoth wore pants declaring ‘Levonna’s Daughter’ and ‘Marilyn’s Mom’ during the Ugly Pants Open, a charity golf event for Goodwill Industries of West Michigan held at Old Channel Trail Golf Course in Montague, Michigan, on April 18, 2004. Larger Image