Sioux City Bandits and WIVP Partner on Charity Golf Event

Sioux City, IA - May 5, 2008

Over 100 business leaders,coaches, youth advocates, and athletes gathered at Whispering Creek Golf Course in Sioux City to raise funds and awareness for the Waitt Institute's violence prevention programs.

The first annual Sioux City Bandits/Waitt Institute for Violence Prevention Charity Golf Event was the first official partnership of the WIVP with a local sports team.

The tournament started when a local coach approached General Manager Bob Scott of  the Bandits and spoke of the importance of involving men and athletes in carrying the message of respect for women, and teaching their sons non violent behavior.  Scott then contacted the Institute and offered to sponsor a yearly tournament.

Cindy Waitt, President of the Waitt Institute said, "We've partnered with many sports figures across the country, but having a local team approach us meant a lot to us.  Involving men is a vital part of our public education and awareness campaign, and the Bandit's players and fans are a key target audience for this message'

The golf tournament was followed by Bandit's Coach Jarrod Degeorgia's reading of the Family Violence Prevention Fund's "Founding Fathers Pledge" at a home game Saturday night in front of nearly 5,000 fans.

About the Waitt Institute for Violence Prevention
The Waitt Institute for Violence Prevention is a private operating institute committed to breaking the cycle of violence in homes, schools, and communities on the local and national level. Founded in 2000 by Ted Waitt and Cindy Waitt, the Waitt Institute for Violence Prevention is committed to changing social norms that accept violence as part of life. The Waitt Institute for Prevention of Violence is supported by Ted Waitt and The Waitt Family Foundation. The Waitt Institute for Violence Prevention is the one of the only private foundations in America that focuses solely on prevention of violence. For more information about the Waitt Institute for Prevention of Violence, please visit: http://waittinstitute.org/WIVP/.