South Carolina ColorTyme franchisee Bob Kogler (who's who) is coordinating the First Annual ColorTyme and Florence Pride Golf Tournament. All proceeds from the event, scheduled for March 1st at The Traces Golf Club in Florence, South Carolina, will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Rent to Own dealers and vendors are encouraged to contact Bob Kogler at 843-250-1316 to participate.

The Florence Pride, a AA hockey team and part of the Chicago Blackhawk's farm-organization, is working closely with Kogler to make the event a success.

Bob and Nan Kogler along with partner Tom Karrat operate the Florence South Carolina ColorTyme. The Koglers are also partners in two North Carolina ColorTyme locations. Bob is well known in franchise circles. His Wilson North Carolina location set an all time record for the best new store opening in ColorTyme history in 1997.

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Bob Kogler (middle) and partner Tom Karrat (left) receive Gold Award for revenue income from  ColorTyme president Steve Arendt (right)

Nan Kogler selling raffle tickets at Pride home games to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

The "big guy in the middle" is Bob with three of the Florence Pride

Bob began his rent to own career in 1991 when he was hired by ColorTyme founder Willie Talley as Director of Franchise Operations for the then Athens Texas based company.

After two years at ColorTyme, Bob went to work for Pat Parker at Utica Rental Systems. Later, he partnered with Jim Moore (who's who) and opened ColorTyme locations in Wilson and Fayetteville North Carolina and eventually settled in Florence South Carolina where he works with Manager/partner Tom Karrat.

"This is a chance for me to give back to the community," said Kogler. "I got involved in local fundraising last year at the annual Florence Diabetes Walk. I just wanted to see what I could do myself," added Kogler, who is a diabetic.

What Bob has been able to accomplish in the three short months since planning began is incredible. 133 golfers are expected to attend the charity event, including ColorTyme president Steve Arendt (who's who). ColorTyme franchisees from Virginia, North Carolina, and as far away as Colorado will also participate.

Bob convinced local ABC affiliate, WPDE, to produce a Public Service Announcement which has been airing on ABC, Fox, UPN, and WBTW. He arranged donations from dozens of companies. The Pride donated two jerseys signed by every player from the last two seasons. Raffle tickets are being sold at Pride home games.

Prizes for the tournament include a 2004 GMC Canyon Pick up donated by GMC, a 65" Mitsubishi big-screen donated by Bob and Nan Kogler, a 4 wheel ATV donated by Honda, and a weekend at Pinehurst Resort and the Ken Venturi Golf School. "Support from the community has been phenomenal," says Kogler.

Rod Whitney, president of Thermo-Pudic USA, is bringing memorabilia donated by racing legend and Thermo-Pudic company spokesman Richard Petty. The local Budweiser distributor is donating a framed, autographed picture of Dale Earnhardt Jr.. These and other items will be raffled off to raise additional money for the foundation.

"The best part," says Bob, "is that all money raised will come right back to our community." All the money donated is used to support kids in the Florence area.

"Next year is going to be even bigger," says Kogler. Like Babe Ruth calling his shot, Bob stated flatly "Next year I'll have Richard Petty here."

I believe him.