BANDIT CEO PARTICIPATES IN CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC FOR ADOPTION

Bandit CEO, Michael T. Strickland, recently participated in the Fourth Annual Mike and Beth Hamilton Celebrity Golf Classic for Adoption, which took place Friday, August 24, 2007, at Willow Creek Golf Course in Knoxville, beginning at 8:30am. Strickland played alongside three-time All American, former Vol and former NFL All Pro, Steve Kiner. Bandit Vice President, Richard Willis and Chief Operating Officer, Pete Heffernan also participated.

The tournament is put on to raise money for Bethany Christian Services, a non-profit organization specializing in crisis pregnancy counseling and adoption services. The organization is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with offices in more than 30 states. The ministry is focused on providing counseling to birthparents and helping place children when an adoption plan is made by the birthparents. In Knoxville, the agency has been in existence for more than 12 years. Approximately eight to 12 birthparents are counseled for every one child placed in an adoption. Funding for the organization comes primarily from two sources: adoption fees and donor revenue. Since the local budget is nearly $300,000, it is imperative to assist Bethany through charity events such as this.

University of Tennessee Athletic Director, Mike Hamilton and his wife, Beth have been involved with Bethany Christian Services in Knoxville for almost 15 years. Both of their children, Madison (11) and Matthew (8) were adopted through the organization.