Area golfers hit the greens for a good cause Friday as the Florence Police Department held its 10th annual golf tournament at Traces Golf Club in Florence.
The tournament was established as the department’s main fundraiser after officials decided to discontinue the annual barbecue fundraiser. The tournament raises money to fund many of the department’s community and youth programs.
“The golf tournament is to support our various youth programs, such as our PAL (Police Athletic League), basketball and Camp F.E.V.E.R. and we also use funds to support the boys and girls club, as well,” Florence Police Chief Anson Shells said. “So it’s a very good cause, and we really appreciate all the support that we get every year out here.”
Fifty teams of four took to the links for the cause, and several participants said the tournament is an event they look forward to each year.
“I just enjoy playing in the police tournament every year,” long time law enforcement supporter, sponsor and local businessman Mike Hulon said. “It’s for a real good cause, raising money and everything, and everybody gets along good. It’s a good thing. I enjoy it a bunch.”
Police officials said this year’s tournament generated about $18,000. The proceeds will help fund free programs for area students such as the department’s two-month long summer Educational Basketball Program. This summer, 77 children participated in the program.
The police use basketball to get students to come to the camp, but they also work with them on teamwork and respect.
Students learned how to do perform a variety of tasks, from how to bake a homemade pizza to how to sew a pillow, in addition to playing some basketball.
When the two months of the camp are over students have more respect for each other that they can take back to school with them, officers said, and they have gotten to know some of the Florence School Resource Officers so they are familiar when classes resume.
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