The first "Scramble for SEF Golf Tournament" takes place May 23 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the semi-private, top-ranked Stanford University Golf Course. Proceeds from the event will benefit SEF's annual campaign, which helps the Saratoga Union School District fill its funding gap. The campaign has a fundraising goal of $1.2 million this year, and so far $815,000 has been raised through donations from parents, community members and local businesses.

SEF is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1982 by community members and parents concerned about state funding cutbacks in Saratoga's public schools. More than 98 cents of every dollar raised from the golf tournament will benefit students in grades K-8. Funds will help to provide for teachers and resources in the areas of music, physical education, counseling, science, the arts, library services, technology and much more, according to SEF co-president Terrie Creamer.

"This is a fun event, as opposed to direct solicitation," said event organizer Cindy Zuccarino, a Saratoga parent.

At SEF's Phone-A-Thon every February, Saratogans are asked to pledge funds. However, the golf tournament is a more relaxed, social event.

"A lot of parents aren't big contributors to SEF, but they are big golfers," Creamer said. "We're trying to reach a different audience."

The cost is $250 per person and includes green fees, a golf cart, tournament gifts, a box lunch and a barbecue dinner. Creamer said they are hoping to make this an annual event. The scramble format allows beginners to play with top-level golfers in the best-ball tournament.

"With the scramble format, you don't have to be a great golfer," Creamer said. "You don't have to worry about slowing down the group."

Since most golf courses are closed on Mondays, SEF had the opportunity to use Stanford for the tournament. The course is usually only available to Stanford alumni, staff and students.

Prizes will be awarded to male and female golfers for the "longest drive" and "closest to the pin," as well as "low gross" and "low net team scores."

The tournament day begins at 9 a.m. with a continental breakfast and registration. Box lunches will be provided by the Stanford Grill. A shotgun start at 11 a.m. will get the golfers on their way. Following the tournament at 4 p.m. there will be wine, food, music by the Magnolia Jazz Band, an auction, awards and prizes. Space is limited. For tournament information, contact Cindy Zuccarino at tootiez@sbcglobal.net or visit www.saratoga-sef.org.