Community members and area business leaders will be teeing off April 29 in support of Suffolk Public Schools at the Suffolk Education Foundation Fundraiser Golf Tournament.

The event will include contests and raffles in addition to the tournament itself.

“It’s a great cause, and it’s going to be a really great time,” said Mary Donny, executive director of the Suffolk Education Foundation. “It’s going to be a fun fabulous day.”

The foundation supports Suffolk Public Schools by providing funding for certain scholarships, dual enrollment tuition assistance, teacher recognition, grants for the classroom and more. This year they are hoping to provide professional development funding for teachers.

They are studying professional development programs and gathering information about the types of professional development that could assist teachers most.

“Continuing education is just crucial,” Donny said.

They get the support funds through hosting this tournament and other fundraising events.

The foundation’s goal is to enhance the classroom experience for both students and teachers. The golf tournament is a great way to support the schools while having fun, Donny said. The schools are in need because of budget cuts.

“It’s a challenging time,” Donny said. “The purpose is to raise money to help the schools.”

This is the 12th fundraiser golf tournament that the Suffolk Education Foundation has sponsored.

The tournament will feature a putting contest, a helicopter golf ball drop, a closest to the pin contest, a longest drive competition, lunch, dinner and a raffle.

The foundation will award prizes and raffle items during dinner. Raffle prizes include an Emerson 32-inch HD LCD flat screen television set, a digital camera, a car valued at $20,000 donated by Starr Motors and more.

The winner of the helicopter golf ball drop will receive $500. Other prizes will include gift cards from the Nansemond River Golf Club in varying amounts.

“It’s going to be so much fun,” said Karen Williams, tournament chair and board member.

Board members are selling golf balls for the helicopter golf ball drop, but any balls not sold will be on sale at the event. Golf balls are being sold for three for $20 or one for $10. The foundation will also be selling mulligan packages for $20 a piece. The package will include two mulligans, one free throw out of the sand trap and a 12-inch string that can be used to move your ball closer to the hole.

The foundation is seeking donations from companies and individuals for prizes or to offset the cost of the tournament. They are also encouraging community members to support the foundation as volunteers.

“I encourage everyone to come out. Come to the golf tournament and feel personally rewarded that the money you gave to the Suffolk Education Foundation will assist Suffolk Public Schools students and teachers,” Williams said.

To sign up for your spot in the tournament or to find out how you can volunteer or help to sponsor the event, contact Mary Donny at 377-4713.