Sponsors, golfers, door prizes and auction items are lagging for the Northland Area Business Association's main annual fundraising event.

Other than that, things are going swimmingly for the renamed Golf-a-Rama, according to event chairman Dave Cooper.

"I think with the economy the way it is, some people have opted out," he acknowledged last week.

Formerly called the NABA Golf Outing, the fundraiser dates back to 2002.

In recent years, it has been held on a Monday in October at York Golf Club, 7459 N. High St.; the renamed event this year will take place at the same location, but on Sept. 20, a Thursday.

Golf-a-Rama committee members hope to have at least 72 golfers participate this time around, with a maximum of 144, according to Cooper.

As of last week, 28 golfers had registered, he said.

It doesn't help, Cooper added, that the event committee is not at full strength, which means fewer people going out to talk up the day of golfing and dining.

"It's been more of a challenge," he said. "We're continuing to work diligently on it."

From the outset, the business organization's golfing fundraisers have shored up the finances of not only the organization itself but also a "community partner," generally a nonprofit organization serving the Northland area.

The North Side Health Advisory Committee will receive a portion of the proceeds from the Sept. 20 Golf-a-Rama.

Traditionally, Cooper said, golf outing committee members like to have all commitments in terms of participants, sponsors and donations a week ahead of time, but that's probably not going to be the case this year.

"If someone wants to sign up at the last minute, we'll be glad to take them," Cooper said.