The golfers and organizers aren’t teed off yet – but they’re getting closer.

The Mike Nelson Golf Tournament, set for its third annual event coming up in June, has early sign-ups and the organizers are in full swing.

“We had 90 entrants last year, and there could be up to 140 this year,” said
Kerry Bell Isle, chair of the tournament.

The tourney’s namesake, Mike Nelson, died suddenly of a heart attack three
years ago at the still-young age of 49, and his selfless commitment to the
Lunch Buddy Kid Program at the North Clackamas School District served as
the impetus for the benefit.

At a very personal level, Bell Isle knows of Nelson’s endeavors. Nelson was
stricken while helping Bell Isle on a construction project.

“He was a wonderful guy, and my best friend,” Bell Isle said. “Everyone loved
him. He never had a bad word for anyone.”

The Lunch Buddy Kid Program was originally formed by Linda Parson in
Clackamas, and Nelson’s love for kids and causes lured him to the program.
The LBKP operates much like a big brother program with individuals giving of
their time to work with underprivileged children – giving them the opportunity
to have someone they can count on.

“After Mike’s death several of his friends decided to memorialize him and his
efforts to benefit his favorite cause,” said David Ligatich, one of the golf
tourneys organizers. “Mike had such a large friend base when he died, that
later on it gave a good start to the then newly formed golf benefit.”

The tournament has attracted dignitaries in the past, including former
Portland Trail Blazers bobby Gross and Greg Smith, San Francisco 49er Mike
Walter, and Tom Gorman of the New York Mets. More are expected to attend
this year, according to Bell Isle.

The tourney is slated for June 16 at the Resort at the Mountain golf course.
Play is a shotgun start, scramble format and the fee is $110 per person, or
$440 per team. The fees include 18 holes of golf with cart, dinner, a raffle
ticket, drink ticket, and prizes galore.

There is still space for sponsors to get involved by providing raffle items.
Mattress World and Josh Lunceford at Milwaukie Lumber have already
committed to multiple prizes.

Besides the raffle, individual hole sponsorships are also available – at $100
per hole.

Entries must be turned in by June 2 and checks should be made payable to
Mike Nelson Memorial Golf Tournament and sent to: Kerry Bell Isle, 321 Alder,
Portland 97214. After entering, e-mail belleent@aol.com to assure being
signed up.

More information can be obtained by calling Kerry at 503-750-8546.
Rooms can be booked at the Resort, but time is of the essence. Special rates
include $99 for a single, $109 double queen, and $139 fireplace suite.

Space is limited, and anyone booking after May 18 use the code MNMG to
receive 10 percent off regular room rates.