FRANKLIN
In connection with the Southampton County Department of Social Services, the Joyner Gray Yale Ruritan Club hosted its fourth annual golf outing on April 11, at the Cypress Cove Country Club.

Coinciding with Child Abuse Prevention Month, this fundraising event is critical to the department because the state and federal government provides limited — if any — funds for prevention services.

“[The tournament] allows the department of social services to raise critical funding for themselves,” said director Michelle Stivers.

While the participants did their best to win a trophy for lowest team score, longest drive and closest to the pin, the true success came in the form of a check addressed to social services.

“We raised $7,356,” Stivers said, “more than we’d ever raised before.”

Some of the money raised goes toward a fair for children, which the department hosted last Saturday, April 25.

“We had police come out and give out child ID kits, food, bounce houses and other activities for the kids, and it was free to the public.”

The remaining funds go into an account to aid clients in prevention services, enabling local families to raise their children in a safe environment, free from abuse and neglect.

Stivers said that the tournament was a huge success, and it will return again next year. Those who wish to donate to social services, or would like to participate in next year’s tournament, can contact the department at 653-3080 for more information.