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The Carl Cappa Memorial Classic hopes to enjoy another successful event this year, building on the outstanding 2008 campaign when it surpassed $1 million in cumulative net proceeds.

A total of 120 players will be teeing off for this charity fund raiser, which supports the endowment of TRC Foundation. The tournament will take place Aug. 10 at Moon Brook Country Club.

The event originated as an idea of the late Sam Restivo, former director of human resources at The Resource Center, and Carl Cappa, the president and chief executive officer of Crawford Furniture Manufacturing Corp. The tournament's steering committee and TRC were saddened this year by the passing of Sam, whose drive and determination were key reasons why the tournament experienced such tremendous success.

Following Carl Cappa's death in 2001 his son, Michael, took over as the tournament's honorary chair. With the help of his mother, Catherine, and a dedicated steering committee, Mike Cappa has continued his father's legacy by enhancing the Cappa Classic's success. Mike's sons, Brett and Scott, also serve on the tournament's steering committee.

"My dad had three values family first, then Crawford, and this golf tournament," Mike said. "I share those same values, and as I've said before, as long as I'm around, I will work with the committee to assure this tournament will continue to be successful."

In its first 12 years, the tournament netted just over $1,000,000. Thanks in large part to proceeds generated through the Cappa Classic, TRC Foundation now has assets of $1.4 million. TRC Foundation works in close collaboration with The Resource Center to provide services not typically funded elsewhere in order to improve the lives of Chautauqua County residents challenged by disabilities and socioeconomic disadvantages. Over the years, TRC Foundation has awarded $370,000 in grants.

Paul Cesana, who is The Resource Center's executive director and the president of TRC Foundation, said the tournament "is testament to the type of beliefs and values that Carl possessed," but added that it's something more.

"It's also a testament to the beliefs and values of our community. The Resource Center touches the lives of thousands of individuals with disabling conditions every day. It's important for the community to take care of its most vulnerable members. The community supports our mission and, in so many ways, makes sure that our work gets done."

Gregg Bender, the tournament's chairman, puts credit for the event's success squarely on the sponsors, who year after year step up to support a great cause and honor a great human being. "We are continually amazed at the genuine support for our event and that of Carl's legacy," Bender said.

Steering committee members include Bender; Mike, Brett and Scott Cappa of Crawford Furniture; Cesana; R. Michael Goldman, Sotir & Goldman, who serves on The Resource Center's board of directors; Mike Kaye, Moon Brook Country Club; Brian Lydic, Lake Shore Savings; David Mackowiak of Johnson, Mackowiak & Associates; Ron Sellers, Hospice; Timur Tyra, KeyBank; Frank Vassallo, Moon Brook; Tad Wright of Wright, Wright & Hampton; and Carol Vinciguerra and Kerstin Wyman of TRC.

The tournament, to be played at Moon Brook Country Club in Jamestown, will have its normal full field competing in a four-ball, two best-ball format. Last year's winning foursome was composed of Bill Brothers, Dave Harris, Mike Montgomery and Bill St. George.

The Cappa Classic steering committee and TRC Foundation extend their gratitude to everyone who is sponsoring this year's tournament, making it possible to move past the $1 million plateau. The tournament sponsor is Catherine Cappa and the Cappa family. Major corporate sponsors include the Winifred Crawford Dibert Foundation; Crawford Furniture; KeyBank; Moore & Myott; Support Enterprises; Jamestown Container; The Morgan McReynolds Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney; M&T; and DFT Communications.

There are still sponsorship opportunities for the event. Anyone interested should contact Bender at 661-1542 or Mike Cappa at 661-9100.