Over the past few months I have posted a few different articles about some things that funeral homes are doing to “advertise” or get free press. Some funeral homes are getting very creative, which is good to see. The following is an example of great creativity.
Make a Hole-In-One and Win a Free Funeral?
A hole-in-one has likely never been as macabre as it will be this weekend when the Shannon Greens Golf Club hosts the 31st annual Striped Bass Festival Golf Tournament beginning at 9 a.m. today.
The “lucky” golfer who manages this rare shot on the ninth hole will get a free funeral – valued at $8,000 – courtesy of Brunson’s Funeral Home.
“People have been talking about it, and some do think it’s weird,” said David Burton, director of golf for the club. “But people are talking, so we think it’s a great thing.”
Ikey Brunson III, owner and operator of Brunson’s, said he wanted to be a major sponsor for the tournament because it would be “different.”
“I guess, really, as far as a funeral home goes, there’s only so much we can offer as a prize,” he said. “This way, we can be a part of the tournament, and the person who manages the (hole-in-one) can have their funeral plans taken care of.”
With an “average” funeral costing about $7,000, planning ahead is almost a necessity, Brunson said.
“This includes the full service,” he said, noting the “deal” includes the 18-gauge casket of one’s choice and the opening and closing of the grave along with tents for the service.
“This covers the basic service for funeral directors and staff, the preparation and removal of the body,” Brunson said. “It’s the whole nine yards. It’s the hearse, the limo and the service, whether it’s church, graveside or whatever. And it includes the visitation and the pastor.”
Burton said Brunson’s is one of about 25 sponsors for the tournament and one of two main corporate sponsors along with Farmer’s Telephone Cooperative.
“This is a 36-hole event, with 18 holes each day,” Burton said. “We have two people per team, and we have about 60 teams so far.”
He said interested teams can sign up before tee time today. The tournament will continue at 9 a.m. Sunday.
“They can still register,” Burton said. “I wouldn’t turn anyone away.”
The registration fee is $260 per team. He said the hole-in-one prize will only be given on the 9th hole.
“If they get the hole-in-one, they get a free funeral,” Burton said. “Like I said, people think it’s sort of weird, but it’s good because it has grabbed a lot of attention.”
Source: theitem.com
