World of Beer Golf Event To Benefit Foster Kids

On Friday, the best of two worlds will collide: Beer and Golf.

No, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you.

On Friday, what some would consider a dream will be a reality when the annual World of Beer Expedition kicks off at the Westchase Golf Club.

In its fifth year, the golf tournament is poised to be bigger and better. This year's event has already sold out with 144 players set to take to the course on Friday, said Nicole Saj, marketing director for

This year's event has a global theme. Golfers will be given a map and will be greeted by complimentary beer at stations throughout the course. Beers from around the world will be featured, including, Germany, Belgium, Eastern Asia and the United States, Saj said.

Proceeds from this year's golf event go to Kids Charity of Tampa Bay, Inc., a non-profit that provides temporary housing to children entering the foster care system.

"It's a charity that does a lot of great work throughout Tampa," Saj said. "This is a way to give them some financial contributions."

Kids Charity services children throughout Tampa Bay, including those in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk and Hernando counties.

The cornerstone of the organization is a 60-bed temporary facility in Brandon, where kids entering the foster care system are placed temporarily, said Wayne Witczak, executive director for Kids Charity Inc.

"What makes us special is we strive to keep sibling groups together," said Witczak, noting that in the program's 2 year history they've only had to separate one group of siblings.

All the proceeds raised during Friday's tournament will go to the Kids Charity home, Witczak said.

"It's very expensive to operate. We have a deficit of $750,000 a year," Witczak said. "So we're very fortunate to have the support of organizations like World of Beer, this is what makes us successful."

A pre tournament kick off party for the 2011 World of Beer Golf Expedition will be held on Weds. Nov. 16, 7pm-9pm at World of Beer Westchase, (9524 W. Linebaugh Avenue in Tampa.) Registered players will get a half off drafts discount.