When a Brookhaven man was diagnosed with cancer about six weeksago, his family was stunned and worried, including his son-in-law,who started looking for ways to help out.

“I just want to raise some money for his expenses while he’sbattling cancer,” said Lee Dunaway, one of Tommy Gartman’sson-in-laws.

Dunaway decided the best fundraiser would be a golf tournamentbecause Gartman is an avid golfer.

“He’s been a member of the country club forever. Everybody knowshim out there,” said Dunaway, who has played golf with Gartman mostweekends for the last few years.

The three-man scramble will begin at 8 a.m. on March 24 atBrookhaven Country Club, which is located just off Highway 51 andNorth Jackson Street on Country Club Road.

The benefit will not be just for members of the country club,though. It will be open to people with all levels of golf skillswho want to help out a friend.

“Anybody can play,” said Dunaway, mentioning that golfers withlow handicaps will tee off further back than those with highhandicaps.

The tournament’s fees provide a great opportunity for those whoare not members of the country club. Anyone can try out the new18-hole course during the benefit at $65 per person, which issignificantly lower than regular fees for non-members.

The entry fee covers cart fees, mulligans, lunch, snacks and afew hours of fun for a great cause, said Dunaway.

“The people at the country club have been real nice,” saidDunaway.

Prizes will be given to the first, second and third place teams.There will also be a number of other prizes that have been donatedby local businesses.

“We’re giving prizes for the closest to the hole, longest driveand longest putt,” Dunaway mentioned.

The donated prizes will also be given as door prizes. Dunawayhas been moved by the amount of assistance he has received inputting this tournament together.

“Everybody has been real supportive in the community as far ashelping out,” said Dunaway, also mentioning the efforts ofGartman’s nephew, Dinky, and Noelle Crozier, a family friend.

Dunaway noted how the entire family, including his wife, Karen,and her mother, Pat, has been so appreciative of the prayers, phonecalls and visits they have received. They are hopeful that Gartmanis on his way to beating cancer.

“He’s had some setbacks because he had a staph infection, buthe’s back in chemotherapy this week,” said Dunaway. “The doctorshave a good outlook on his prognosis.”

Gartman has been receiving treatment at Baptist Medical Centerin Jackson and should return home this weekend before going backfor more treatment in a couple of weeks.

The benefit tournament held in his honor has already attracted10 teams, and Dunaway hopes many more will sign up as the day getscloser. The scramble will be limited to the first 36 teams to signup.

Anyone interested in signing up, donating or finding out moreinformation about the tournament can call Lee Dunaway at823-3327.