Swing for a Cure started Wednesday and will run through Aug. 31. This new format will allow you to golf in a manner that you are comfortable with and at your convenience. Teams may register by calling the Trinity Diabetes Center at (515) 574-6350. Once you are registered, you can call the Fort Dodge Country Club at (515) 955-8551 to schedule a tee time. There are some blackout dates, so please refer to those dates below. We will continue to play the four-person best shot format. On Sept. 1, we will flight all returned score cards for cash prizes and publish the results.

All proceeds from this event directly impact the care of our community members, especially children. Over the last 14 years, Swing for a Cure has raised $176,000 for diabetes education, prevention and care in our community.

Diabetes ranks as the seventh leading cause of death nationwide; more than 30 million Americans have diabetes. Health care costs for Americans with diabetes are 2.3 times greater; diagnosed diabetes costs America $327 billion per year. One out of every seven dollars spent on health care is spent treating diabetes and its complications.

The Trinity Diabetes Center is dedicated to caring for and educating individuals with diabetes. We also believe that “when we know better, we do better” so education is key to our approach.

Funds are used to send children from our service area with Type 1 diabetes to summer camp free of charge. This camp specializes in diabetes care and education. Children are given the unique opportunity to enjoy time with peers who share many of the same day-to-day challenges that come with having Type 1 diabetes. These children cannot change their diagnosis, but learning to effectively deal with it early on, is life changing.

Funds are also used for the THRIVE program, a unique partnership between Fort Dodge schools and the Trinity Diabetes Center. Registered dietitians and nurses work with kindergarten and third grade students to provide knowledge, resources and support students need to adopt a healthy eating and active lifestyle and ultimately prevent childhood obesity, Type II diabetes and chronic health diseases. The THRIVE program also provide free swimming lessons to third and fourth grade students in each elementary building.

In addition, the Trinity Diabetes Center offers:

• A 12 month, pre-diabetes class to teach the skills necessary to delay or prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes.

• An annual diabetes “fair” featuring various guest speakers discussing the prevention and treatment of diabetes that includes the latest medications and tools available on the market.

• Various supplies including hands on educational tools, newsletters and flyers.

• Staff training for diabetes educators ensuring they stay current with diabetes technologies and treatments.

We hope you and your friends will participate in our event this year. We encourage you to complete your registration and schedule a tee time. Upon arrival to the Fort Dodge Country Club, please go to the clubhouse to receive your instructions, scorecard, and gift bag. Your giftbag will include water courtesy of Blue Ribbon Pelham Waters, snacks courtesy of Hy-Vee, the ever popular PROV1 golf balls and a $20 gift card to the Fort Dodge Country Club courtesy of Citizens Community Credit Union.

Please make sure to turn in your scorecard when you complete your 18 holes of golfing.

We thank you for making this year’s event happen and are grateful for your support of the Trinity Diabetes Center.

Good luck to you!

Trinity Diabetes Center Team

Rules:

• Registration for four person team is $400 (includes two carts)

• Four person best shot format

• Team tee times are required

• Tee times scheduled at least one day in advance

• Beverage cart will not be on the course. Beverages must be purchased in the clubhouse.

The following dates are NOT available to accommodate play:

• July 17 — 18 — 19

• July 24

• July 31 — 6 pm

• Aug. 22

• Aug. 21

• Aug. 28

• Aug. 29

Weekday activities:

• Women’s Golf Tuesdays — 5:45 p.m.; 9 holes

• Men’s Day Wednesdays — noon to Close

• Men’s League Thursdays — 6 p.m.; 9 holes