The Ninth Annual Ballard High School Golf Classic is a week away, and the fundraiser is still accepting golfers.

The Classic features a golf tournament, putting contest, hole-in-one contest, barbecue and a silent and live auction.

Over the past eight years, the fundraiser has raised more than $600,000 for Ballard High School's athletic teams and music programs.

Each year, the school district provides $500 for each sports team and no extra money for music programs, according to Ballard High School Principal Phil Brockman.

In the past, money from the Classic has gone toward uniforms, facilities, equipment, a full-time athletic trainer and marching band uniforms.

Jim Vatn, former chair of the Classic and this year's honoree, said the fundraiser is so successful because it is a lot of fun. It is a chance for old friends to reconnect over a day of golf and beer, he said.

The tournament can accommodate 288 golfers, and organizers are hoping to get at least 240.

Registrations will be accepted up to the Aug. 4 tournament, which takes place at the Golf Club at Newcastle.

The registration fee is $275 per golfer or $50 for just the barbecue dinner.

Those interested in participating are invited to contact tournament chair Mary Wong at 206.782.0413 or marwong@juno.com.

Incentives for golfers include a $100,000 first-prize for the putting contest, $50,000 of which goes to Ballard High School, and the chance to win a car from Carter Volkswagen Subaru in the hole-in-one contest.