SANGERVILLE, Maine — One person can make a difference. Just ask Timothy Richardson.

Having lost both of his grandfathers to cancer along with some of his aunts, uncles and friends, Richardson wanted to do something to help find a cure to spare others.

He found his answer in the Friends Fighting for the Cure Golf Classic, a tournament he started last year with help from his mother, Betty Richardson, that raised nearly $7,000 for the Jimmy Fund, the principal fundraising arm of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Even before last year’s event was over, Richardson was planning the next one, which will be held Aug. 8 at the Piscataquis Country Club.

“I think the turnout we had last year showed us we had a lot of support,” Richardson said.

The Richardsons’ dedication and those of others who helped raise $7.1 million in 2008 for cancer care and research were recognized in February at the annual Jimmy Fund Golf Appreciation Night held at the International Golf Club in Bolton, Mass. Both mother and son attended the event.

This year, Timothy Richardson hopes to raise $10,000 to help cancer research, despite the gloomy economic situation. It is times like these, he said, that more people should pitch in to help the fund, which also is likely affected by the economy. But his enthusiasm is not affected, since he hopes to see the day when no one has to die of cancer.

More than 80 golfers last year played through a shower, showing their dedication and commitment, Richardson said.

The fund this year got a little boost when the seventh grade at Piscataquis Community Middle School held a fundraising event and donated $50, according to Richardson. “You can start to see it spreading,” he said of the generosity.

This year’s classic will include a four-person best ball scramble, dinner, a T-shirt and goodie bag, an auction and entertainment by the Freddy Stone Comedy Act. A $40-per-person entry fee includes all of the above.

For more information, to register a team or to make a donation, contact Richardson at 564-8904 or e-mail him at tlcrichardson@boston-redsox.net.