The Madison College Athletic Department is both “teeing-off” and throwing the “ceremonial first pitch,” on a unique fundraiser, or as the department describes it – a “friend-raiser.”

The “9&9 Athletics Outing,” which combines the links and the diamond, to bring-in funds. Nine holes at The Bridges Golf Course, is followed with dinner and a baseball game, for $45.

Sign-in at the golf course begins at 2 p.m. and a shotgun start at 3 p.m. After completing their game, the participants go to Robin Roberts Baseball Field for dinner and watch a WolfPack baseball game, which starts at 7 p.m.

To compliment Friday’s events, an alumni baseball game is being held the following day. Athletics staff members said no effort was spared in securing participants for the game. Emails and phone calls were sent to most former baseball team members, along with their parents.

While fundraising is an important aspect of a successful college athletic program, this event’s focus describes the “friend-raiser” moniker. The department said the focus isn’t the money, but rather to reunite alumni and maintain relationships with anyone considered WolfPack alumni.

Tickets are available for participation in individual events and registration is available through madisoncollegeathletics.com. The golf event is limited to 72 participants, due to the event being hosted at a nine-hole course.

Those interested can purchase the complete package – golf, dinner and baseball. They also can order just dinner and the baseball ticket. For more information, call 246-2100.