The 22nd Annual Jack Friel Golf Scramble to benefit Newtown Scholarship Association (NSA) will be drawing the association’s supporters to the links on Monday, June 16.

Registration will open at 11 am, lunch will be served at 11:30, and a shotgun golf start will be at 12:30.

“Newtown has two tremendous country clubs — Rock Ridge Country Club and Newtown Country Club — capable of hosting our popular event,” says tournament co-chair Mark Fries. “Both have added significantly to our event and we are pleased to support these fine clubs.”

The golf scramble is one of several major fundraisers for NSA, which provides need-based scholarships to help fund the higher education of high school graduates from Newtown.

“Since Bill Lavery introduced the idea of a golf scramble 22 years ago, the event has raised more than $500,000 for the NSA,” says event co-chair Jim Morley. “We’re proud that it has become such a significant fundraiser for this great organization.”

Golfers will be assigned to play at one of the two clubs, and lunch, donated by Newtown’s own Butcher’s Best, will be served at both clubs. A cocktail reception and dinner will be held immediately after the golf at Rock Ridge Country Club.

The evening events will feature awards, a special recognition of several longstanding NSA board members, and a silent auction to include golf outings at Baltusrol Golf Club and Bull’s Bridge Golf Club, and a one-day package from Skip Barber Racing School among its offerings.

Cost is $200 per player. For those who would like to attend dinner only, cost is $60 per person.

There are still a few spots available for those hoping to compete. Interested golfers can phone Golf Committee Co-Chairmen Mark Fries at 203-426-8507 or Jim Morley at 203-426-8966. Registration can also be done online.

Sponsorship and advertising opportunities for area businesses are also available.

Since its founding in 1937, the NSA has provided well over $4 million in scholarships and continuing aid to high school graduates from Newtown pursuing a college degree. In addition to the golf tournament, funds are raised through an annual fund drive, a gala, and from the generous support of local individuals and businesses.

“In the face of skyrocketing college costs, coupled with a challenging economy, Newtown students’ need for financial assistance is greater than ever,” says NSA President Glenn Nanavaty. “We expect to award over $400,000 in scholarships and continuing aid this year alone. Needless to say, the success of our fundraising events is critical to our ability to meet that need.”