If you aren't familiar with the Moore Buddies program, just give Bob Rigsby a call. His commitment to the event is why it's called the 10th annual Rigsby Cup Golf Tournament.

Bob Rigsby is a man with a soft spot in his heart for kids, especially kids who are faced with overwhelming odds against having a chance to succeed in life. That's why he and several others have devoted themselves to helping make the program work.

Moore Buddies is a nonprofit agency that works directly with the Moore County courts system to aid youths who are considered at risk and are in trouble with the law. The tournament raised $20,000 last year.

Rigsby doesn't just talk the game, either. He enjoys working one-on-one with the kids and watching them grow -- mentally and physically -- into productive young people.

"It's amazing watching a troubled kid change when he feels that someone cares about him," Rigsby said during an interview years ago. "Their personalities change and they become trusting."

Davis Clark is co-chairman of this year's benefit tournament, which will be held at The Pit Golf Links on Aug. 26. Clark and a hard-working Board of Directors are hoping to make the 10th edition of the event the best ever in terms of raising money and spreading the word about the Moore Buddies Program.

The format is four-person team captain's choice, with prizes being awarded to the top three teams, longest drive and closest to the pin, as well as a major prize for a hole-in-one.

One of the great things about the program is that it helps local kids who may be saved from spending their lives in a cycle of poverty and crime and makes them into citizens who contribute to the community.

The entry fee is $75, cheaper than the in-season greens fees at The Pit, and includes the cost of a mulligan. The tournament is being sponsored by Mac's Food Stores in conjunction with Bethesda Presbyterian Church, Lee-Moore Insurance, Nestle, Toby Wells Pontiac-Buick-GMC, and Wal-Mart Super Center.

For information on the tournament, obtaining an entry form or becoming a sponsor, call 947-6616, or e-mail moorebuddies@earthlink.net.

Sponsorships include hole, $100; major tournament, $500; patron, $750; and starfish, $1,000.

Persons interested in becoming a "Buddy" to a youth, can learn details by calling the same number.

There are several ways someone can begin supporting the program and help redirect an "at-risk" youth.

Volunteering time, sharing interests or helping out with special events is encouraged. Mentoring is vital to the program with a caring adult becoming a one-on-one buddy with a kid.

The same is true for one-on-one academic tutoring. Many of the youths are eager to learn when given the opportunity away from the environment they were born into.

Like any other program of its kind, money is vital. Persons who wish to make a donation or who are willing to participate in a fundraising program are always needed.

Community and corporate partnering are desperately needed to make the program work. Area groups or businesses are encouraged to sponsor events, participate in programs, donate articles for prizes and adopt a match of an adult and youth.

Even those who can't find the time or the money to donate can be of service to the program simply by making the public aware that it exists and how important it can be to the future of the kids.

A parable titled "The Starfish" by Loren Eiseley has been adopted as the Moore Buddies Philosophy. It reads:

As the old man walked the beach at dawn, he noticed a young man ahead of him picking up starfish and flinging them into the sea.

Finally catching up with the youth, he asked him why he was doing that. The answer was the stranded starfish would die if left until the morning sun.

"But the beach goes on for miles and there are millions of starfish," countered the old man.

"How can your effort make any difference?"

The young man looked at the starfish in his hand and then threw it to the safety of the waves. As it met the water, he said:

"It made a difference for that one."

The Juvenile Structured Day program serves youth referred by the Juvenile Court System in need of intensive support. The youth participate in the program during after-school hours when they are most vulnerable.

Mentors spend an average of two hours a week for a year with a young person working on goals and skill building. Moore Buddies offers group trips and activities throughout the year to support and encourage these friendships.

Staff members and volunteers offer support and encouragement to strengthen the family unit, improve school performance and reduce negative or court-involved behavior.

Through the Buddies program, kids are offered hope, a second chance, achievement, compassion and success.