For Immediate Release
July 7, 2009

Contact:    Rick Liebel
                Public Relations and Development Director
                814 455-1774 Ext. 234
                814 881-6530 cell

“Hook and Slice” Invitational to Benefit SafeNet

On Saturday July 11th, the 17th annual “Hook and Slice” Golf Invitational will take place at the North Hill Golf Course in Corry, PA. A shot gun start will begin at 8am, following with a buffet dinner served after the invitational. The golf invitational began back in the early 1990s. According to Doug Yaple, founder of the invitational and owner of “Doug Yaple’s Vacuum Service” in Wesleyville, PA, “A lot of us were not that great of golfers so we ended up calling it our ‘Hook and Slice’ golf outing. The first year we had 20 players, and each year since, it has grown from 20 to around 120 players.”

In 2003, the 11th annual "Hook and Slice” Invitational generated $1675 to benefit the Seneca High School Marching Band. In 2004, after observing the care that hospice provided to Doug Yaple’s father during his illness and passing, it was decided the proceeds would go to Hospice of Erie, raising $3525. Last year, the invitational benefited Hunt of a Lifetime, in memory of EJ Morrison, and raised $4700. Since 2003, the invitational has raised a total of $20,900 for different organizations throughout Erie. This year's 17th annual “Hook and Slice” Invitational will benefit SafeNet Domestic Violence Safety Network of Erie for their “Big Backyard” project.

SafeNet is not a homeless shelter, but a safe and confidential place specifically for men, women and children who are victims of domestic violence.  From every city and township in the area, victims come to SafeNet seeking support, safety and shelter from physical abuse and threats of violence occurring at home.  After more than 30 years of providing shelter and many other supportive services, SafeNet knows first-hand that there is hope and there is help. SafeNet is Pennsylvania's oldest continuous running domestic violence shelter.

For interviews with SafeNet's, Executive Director or any staff member of SafeNet, contact Rick Liebel, Public Relations and Development Director at 455-1774 extension 234 or email at rliebel@safeneterie.org.