A day on a golf course this month will help some abused and neglected youngsters enjoy a week at summer camp. Players will tee off May 14 at Reems Creek Golf Course in the third annual golf tournament sponsored by the Buncombe County Guardian Ad Litem Association.
“This is one of our biggest fundraising events of the year,” says Joni Marion, chair of the event. “Last year we raised almost $5,000 to support our summer camp program. This year we’re setting our sights even higher. We’re hoping to send at least 40 kids to camp.”
The official purpose of the Guardians is to represent children in legal actions involving their parents— actions that could result in the children being placed in foster care. But the reality takes the Guardians far beyond their courtroom advocacy. In Buncombe County, about 170 volunteer Guardians keep close track of their young clients, coordinating with school, family, foster care, and medical providers to promote the best interests of the more than 300 children they are serving at any given time.
Members of the association consider the summer camp program to be a cornerstone of their yearround efforts. “Under even the best of circumstances, separation from their parents presents a stressful experience for a young person,” says Joni. “If we can give a child a positive experience, much like a vacation, the effects can go a long way toward helping the child cope with an unpleasant reality.”
Entrance fee for the tournament and buffet lunch is $75 per golfer. The Guardians are encouraging foursomes to sign up as a team to compete for the first, second, and third place prices. Joni Marion says they are also offering a $10,000 holein- one prize.
To sign up for the tournament or for further information, call 828.691.9961.
