Southampton - The 8th Annual Hamptons Invitational Offshore Tournament, hosted by Shinnecock Marlin and Tuna Club (SMTC) and in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island (BBBSLI), kicks off on Friday, Aug. 15. Since its inception in 2001, this event has raised more than $400K dollars for BBBSLI.

Each year the nine-day tournament draws an average of 70 boats and 600 guests. Anglers vie for the largest Mahi, Bluefish, Marlin (Tag and Release), Mako, Big Eye, Yellowfin and Albacore. The Tournament culminates with a celebration dinner at Oakland's Restaurant in Hampton Bays on Sunday, Aug. 24. Dinner highlights include live music, raffles and a silent auction. Limited edition Vito DeVito commissioned prints will also be available for sale for $100.

"I attribute the success of this annual tournament to the on-going goodwill and support from our club members and sponsors," said Captain Scott Horowitz, SMTC President and Tournament founder. "This year, the overwhelming generosity of our sponsors has allowed for a variety of extraordinary raffle prizes."

The event raffle, a high point of the celebration dinner, features prizes including:

21' Contender Custom Fishing Boat w 200HP Yamaha - Valued at $65,000 - Provided by White Water Marine, "The Sportfish Specialist of Long Island." (With trailer, T-Top, ice blue hull color with custom boot stripe, Livewell, 10 Lee rod holders, trim tabs, leaning post and tournament console with cooler).

2008 Ford F150 4x4 Lariat truck - Valued at $40,000 - Provided by Otis Ford, "Satisfying Our Customers since 1946." (With W/5 4.1 EFI V8 engine, power moon roof, trailer tow package, chrome package, leather captain chairs and more).

Other raffles prizes include Zodiac Boat - Valued at $3,500; $500 gas card; fishing tackle and equipment.

Raffle tickets are $100, and sales are limited to a total of 600 tickets for the Contender and 700 for the Ford F150. The drawing will take place on the evening of the invitational dinner. To purchase raffle tickets, call Mark Cox at 516-731-7880, ext. 13.

For more information on the Hamptons Offshore Invitational Tournament, visit www.smtc-online.org or www.hamptonsoffshoreinvitational.com.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has been the premiere mentoring agency on Long Island since 1977, and has cultivated thousands of relationships for children in need of additional support and guidance. Results from an independent study showed that children who met regularly with their "Bigs" were less likely to skip school, were more confident about their schoolwork, had improved relationships with their parents and peers, and were significantly less likely to engage in negative and destructive behavior.

Volunteer mentors are screened and trained and then carefully matched with a child. For information on volunteering, call 516-731-7880 or visit www.bbbsli.org.