Hope’s Hope Charity has a wonderful cause, a great group of dedicated volunteers, and an inspired vision of how to help families in need.

The one thing it doesn’t have is good timing.

The Fifth Annual Hope’s Hope Golf Classic is slated for Monday, Aug. 9 at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary.

Proceeds help support families of children afflicted with neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation who wish to attend the NBIA Family Conference in May of 2011.

So far, tournament organizers have been struggling to attract both sponsors and golfers to the tournament.

As tourney spokesperson Cheri McDonald points out, the current economic climate has been extremely detrimental to small non-profits seeking to raise funds.

“It has been very difficult this year,” said McDonald. “The economy has been tough on everybody. We still haven’t reached 50 percent (capacity) with golfers. We’ve even lowered the price of the entry fee.

“It’s also been hard with sponsors. Businesses are just holding back right now before committing. When you’re not a well known organization and you are 100 percent volunteer driven it can be difficult to connect with businesses.”

Hope’s Hope was established in February of 2005 by a group of volunteers looking to help families with children suffering from rare, terminal neurodegenerative disorders.

The inspiration came from Hope Johnston of Apex who was born with the rare genetic disorder infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy.

Hope passed away in July of 2008 at the age of six.

The charity named in her honor financially helps families attend the NBIA Family Conference where they can meet with doctors and geneticists researching these rare diseases.

“This conference is only held every other year,” said McDonald. “Because of the aggressiveness of the diseases it can be very difficult for families. They may have just one opportunity to attend the conference and speak with specialists and geneticists.

“It’s also important for these families to mingle with other families. These diseases are so rare that you don’t have any support groups. Families must rely on each other and the conference is a great place for them to see they are not alone.”

The golf tournament costs $125 per person or $500 for a foursome.

The format is four-person scramble, captain’s choice. Trophies and Awards will be given for the 3 lowest grossing teams. Prizes will be given for Hole-in-One, Putting Contest, Longest Drive for men & women, Closest-to-the-Pin, and more.

Registrations includes continental breakfast, boxed lunch, unlimited on-course beverages, awards reception and dinner.

Hope’s Hope will also hold its inaugural 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 8 a.m. at the American Tobacco Trail. The start and finish will be at White Oak Church Road in Apex.

For more information about the golf tourney or 5K visit www hopes-hope .org.