Thursday night’s severe thunderstorms in Suffolk could’ve endangered or at least postponed Friday’s big day for golf and fundraising during the 16th Annual Treasurer’s United Way Golf Tournament at Nansemond River Golf Club.

Instead, the storms left a cool, windy fall morning and more than 100 golfers ready to take to the course.

The annual event, with more importance placed on the thousands of dollars raised for the United Way of South Hampton Roads and the more than 70 agencies it funds, was founded and continues each year through the work of City Treasurer Ron Williams and co-worker Shirley Snead.

Raffles and prizes including mountain bikes, I-Pods, grills, televisions and golf equipment, all the food and drink a golfer might want and the traditional helicopter ball drop, even in Friday’s breezes, raised more donations.

The Suffolk branch of the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Virginia was the primary United Way-affiliated organization supported by this year’s tournament.

Williams recognized David Zobel, executive director for the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Virginia, and Reggie Carter, director of the Suffolk branch.

The United Way of South Hampton Roads distributes funds to more than 70 charities, such as the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Boy Scouts of America, the Salvation Army, the Genieve Shelter and ForKids.

Many local golfers now mark the Treasurer’s Tournament on their calendars long ahead of the date each year.

“We’ll keep doing the tournament as long as all of you keep supporting it,” Williams said.

While presenting a $20,000 check on behalf of the Suffolk City Employees United Way Campaign, Williams took a minute to thank everyone, say a word of prayer and remember back to when the tournament raised donations for Sept. 11, 2001 victims.

Fundraising events, with a pleasant day on the golf course along with it, are important whether or not a need is on everyone’s mind, Williams said.

“The United Way is there every day, not just in times of tragedy but also for everyday agencies who are helping people who need them,” Williams said.