Charity Golf Event Needs Players in Slumping Economy

JACKSONVILLE, FL - In a slumping economy, many First Coast non-profits and charities are feeling the pinch of lower donations.

But for Peg and John Rowan, the golf tournament they are hosting on Monday, March 30th, at Hidden Hills Country Club is about more than just helping out the Justice Coalition.

It is part of their eight-year struggle to learn what happened to their son, John, who vanished in February, 2001.

"It's the not knowing that is the most painful for those that suffer with loved ones that are missing," said Peg Rowan.

"Because every second, every minute, every hour of the day you think of your loved one."

Peg Rowan and her husband John have a $200,000 reward offered to solve the mystery of their son's disappearance eight years ago. And they are grateful the Justice Coalition has been by their side for as many years. That's why they hold a yearly golf event to raise money for the charity organization.

"They (The Justice Coalition ) are there for us all the time, and not alone for us. Involve all the other victims in Jacksonville and all the murder victims in Jacksonville," said Rowan.

But the Rowan's annual golf tournament needs ten more $1,000 teams by Monday to complete the field. That's forty $250 players short of their goal.

Peg has been working the phones for weeks for this event that quickly sold out in years past.

"A lot of people are out of work, and just can't afford to play this year," she lamented.

Justice Coalition Executive Director Ann Dugger knows the pinch of a faltering economy all too well, and understands why the golf tournament roster is falling short.

"You look for your food and the necessities of life and this is not one of those necessities. But for the people we help, this IS a necessity!"

Like so many local charities, money is tight for the Justice Coalition and those who would hope to support it.

"But hopefully more names will come in and more people will come in (to play Monday)," said Rowan.

Teams for Monday fundraiser are $1,000, or $250 for individual players. Entry fees are tax-deductible.

Registration begins at 8:30 Monday morning at Hidden Hills, with a Captain's Choice Shotgun start at 10:00 a.m.

Call Peg Rowan at 642-1201 or Terri Johnson at 783-6312 if you or your team would like to play.