The Liberty County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Association is preparing for the seventh annual Golf Tournament for Scholarships, and MLKOA President Rev. Alvin Jackson is urging players to sign up fast for the April 16 tournament at the Cherokee Rose Golf Course.

"We will tee off at noon on that Saturday, and we want this year to be bigger than ever. We don’t want to turn any player or team away, so we want them to register early," Jackson said. "Last year was big and golfers and onlookers came out in numbers. We had a great time and were able to give out a significant number of scholarships."

The Liberty County MLKOA is a nonprofit organization, founded to promote the dream and vision of the slain civil rights leader. The association plans events throughout the year culminating with the January commemorative activities and the annual golf tournament. More than $40,000 in scholarships have been awarded.

"Over the years, we have tried to make a difference in our community. We have been successful because of public support. We have been blessed to be partners with some of our major businesses and nonprofits," Jackson said. "We can continue to do this through the donations received from local businesses, organizations, citizens and local churches."

Local organizations, agencies, businesses and churches are invited to participate and sponsor the tournament.

For more information, call Kenneth Howard at 876-3564 or email libertycountymlkoa@gmail.com.

Sponsorship information

• Gold Corporate Sponsor ($1,500): One team entry fee, logo included in promotional and advertising, one "hole sponsor" sign and recognition at tournament, Also, annual scholarship banquet and full-page ad in the 2010 MLK Commemorative Program.

• Corporate Sponsor ($500): One team entry fee, one "hole sponsor" sign and recognition at tournament.

• Team Sponsor ($200): One team entry fee.

• Hole Sponsor ($100): Signage at a hole.