Tee Off for a Cause

The Demand Project’s Fifth Annual Golf Tournament aims to stop sexual exploitation of children in Oklahoma.

Do you ever see a need in your community but don’t know the best way to serve it? In the United States, the sexual exploitation of children is a growing epidemic. According to a 2013 study from the Washington Times, two-thirds of the sex offenders in state prisons committed offenses against children. There are more than 747,000 registered sex offenders in the U.S. and as many as 100,000 are noncompliant and missing.  Founders of The Demand Project, Jason and Kristin Weis, know that not everyone can be at the frontlines of this fight, which is why they hold workshops and events for community involvement such as an annual golf tournament.

The Demand Project’s Fifth Annual Golf Tournament will take place on Monday, June 19, 2017 at the Golf Club of Oklahoma with a shotgun start at 8:00 a.m.  Registration rates for the scramble tournament run at $900 for a team of four golfers and $225 for an individual entry.  Each golf ticket includes continental breakfast, lunch, use of the practice facility, a player gift package, 18 holes of golf with use of a cart, snacks and beverages and an awards ceremony.

“We understand that a lot of people know about these issues in our community, but may not necessarily know how to involve themselves or show their support to stop these criminals,” said Kristin. “Events like this tournament and our gala in November are a great way to support and sustain our program. All you have to do is sign up and show up and you’ve contributed to helping these kids.”

The tournament serves as a fundraiser for the organization’s cyber team. A group of elite, current and retired law enforcement officers with vast experience in targeting, investigating and prosecuting online predators that seek to exploit children for sex.

“Catching just one online predator can save between 20-40 kids,” said Jason.  “That’s why we do this. That’s why we want people to participate in this fight in any way that they can. We just want people to be in the know of these issues.”

The event will include special contest holes, games and a silent auction. Hole-in-one prizes include a 2017 XT5 Crossover – 2-year lease from Don Thornton Cadillac, a set of new irons, a golf vacation and Travis Mathew clothing.  For those who wish to contribute off the course, different sponsorship packages are available, ranging from $250 Hole Sponsor to $4,500 Presenting Sponsor Package.

The Demand Project’s Fifth Annual Golf Tournament is brought in part thanks to its sponsors: The Vintage Pearl, ImageNet Consulting, QuikTrip, Tulsa Fraternal Order of Police, Matrix Service Company, First United Mortgage Group, Challenger Services and Central National Bank.

Established in 2013, The Demand Project operates on four pillars: prevention, prosecution, rescue and restoration. The organization aims to eradicate the sexual exploitation of children by targeting crimes of online enticement, sex trafficking and child pornography.

“Once we saw what the problem was we couldn’t go about our normal lives and pretend it wasn’t happening,” said Kristin. “We knew it was hidden in plain sight.”

The Demand Product helps accomplish its mission through awareness projects, including education initiatives for parents, children, and communities; community action, including operating a Victim Tip Line and promoting legislation that strengthens current laws regarding sexual exploitation; and prevention measures, including Cyber Teams that research and document predator profiles and Community Survey Teams that collect predator network data.

Sponsorships are still available. Join the fight to end sexual exploitation and register your team and support today.