CSA Air invites the community to take part in T-time for the Children of St. Jude on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at TimberStone Golf Course in Iron Mountain.

The golf tournament will begin with a shotgun start at noon.

Registration fee for a four-person team is $500. All of the proceeds will go directly to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

“The whole goal is to raise the most amount of money for the children of St. Jude,” said Candice Faust, CSA Air, Inc. Operations Manager/Recruiter.

T-time for the Children of St. Jude was founded by Tristen Behrend, who has family ties to the area. (Contributed photo)

Organizers have planned several course games with prizes for a full afternoon of fun.

The event was founded in 2017 by Tristen Behrend, who has family ties to the area.

“He took his love of golf and desire to make a difference and organized a charity golf tournament for a school project,” Faust said. “He chose St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as his cause he wanted to support, because he was inspired by his great-grandmother who had been a major supporter for years.”

After Behrend went to college, his brother, Sam, took over the event.

The event continued for seven years at Wild Pines Golf Course in Hermansville.

T-time for the Children of St. Jude was founded by Tristen Behrend, who has family ties to the area. From left, shown in 2020 are Tristen Behrend, cousin Alex Pipkorn, grandfather Tom Pipkorn, cousin Finley Pipkorn, Sam Behrend and cousin Nate Pipkorn. (Contributed photo)

“It was quite successful, they raised over $30,000” during that time, she said.

During last year’s event, the Behrends regretfully announced it would be their last, as Sam also was heading to college, she said.

General Manager/Director of Operations Todd Silverstone participated in that event, Faust noted, as CSA Air was longtime sponsor.

“We (CSA Air) share the same passion as the boys do for St. Jude and we are committed to continue their cause and hope to grow it for years to come,” she said.

CSA Air, Inc. is a regional cargo airline that operates aircraft exclusively for FedEx. The partnership with FedEx extends beyond aviation, Faust said.

Since 2012, FedEx has honored the patients of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by naming a Cessna Caravan aircraft after the child of a FedEx team member. They then honor that child at the Purple Eagle event.

“CSA was chosen twice as a sponsor and we have two aircraft in our fleet that have been named after a child that has been a patient at St. Jude,” she said, adding they will have their aircraft named “Olivia” on display at Ford Airport Day.

“It’s a tradition that we’re deeply proud to support and we look forward to celebrating the next Purple Eagle honoree during the FedEx St. Jude Championship,” Faust said.

TimberStone Golf Operations Manager Michaela Sweig said she’s honored they were chosen to host this year’s golf fundraiser.

“Having grown up in Powers, alongside the Behrend/Pipkorn family, I have witnessed their strength firsthand and know their son’s story well,” Sweig said. “This outing holds special meaning for me, and I am hopeful for a strong turnout in support of St. Jude’s mission.”

No one receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is committed to advancing research that helps make lifesaving cures possible for children.

Hospital founder Danny Thomas saying was: “No child should die in the dawn of their life.”

Jaimie Scherer, Senior Philanthropic Advisor-Michigan, ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, recently met with the CSA Air team to discuss the upcoming event and said they are honored to be the beneficiary of the T-time charity.

“My visit was wonderful — to meet Todd, Candice and so many staff members that support the St. Jude mission was heartwarming,” Scherer said. “Thank you, CSA Air. We are grateful to have such a dedicated corporate partner.”

There’s still time to be part of an incredible day on the course, all while making a difference. “We would love to have more golf teams,” Faust said.

They are also still seeking sponsorship and donations.

“Every contribution makes a difference,” she said. “Your support is helping make this event possible.”

Current sponsors include: Town & Country, 10 Grand Hole-in-One sponsor; Mountain Air Cargo, Worldwide Aircraft Services, Royal Aircraft Services, Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co. and Leeds Real Estate.

Donors include: TDS of Iron Mountain, FNB & Trust, Pine Grove Country Club, Pilotsmith Flight Academy, Superior Welding, Wendricks Truss, Inc., Xcell Graphix, John & Shirley Zappala, Oak Crest Golf Club, Signature Design, The Real Heal 906, UP North Roasters, Boss Snowplow, Super One Foods, and Tractor Supply.

“My wish is that this event continues to grow each year, making an even greater impact for families in need,” Sweig said. “I invite you to join us in supporting this truly important cause.”

“We are very excited — this is going to be a tradition we are going to carry on,” Faust said.

Anyone interested in registering a team, becoming a sponsor or to make a donation can call the CSA Air office at 906-774-3101, email t-time@csaair.com or go to the website at www.csaair.com.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.