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Field Day ForKids will return Thursday, Sept. 22, to Cedar Point Club in North Suffolk.

What began as an annual golf tournament fundraiser evolved, in 2020, into Field Day ForKids. By expanding the event to include tennis, pickleball, a 2-mile walk and a Par 3 Novice Challenge, ForKids has raised more funds for families living in poverty in Western Tidewater and across Hampton Roads.

“The event has been important in raising community awareness about ForKids’ impact in the community,” said Becky Lyle, external relations manager. ”Each year, attendance has seen great growth, while participants go on to become volunteers, monetary and in-kind donors, and advocates for the ForKids mission of creating pathways out of poverty.”

Field Day ForKids draws corporate and local businesses as sponsors and volunteers and in-kind donors, such as a restaurant that donates lunch to the Field Day participants, so event expenses are kept down and funds raised can be channeled directly into services for families in need.

The 2021 Field Day ForKids raised $100,000. This year’s goal is $130,000.

ForKids has had a presence in Western Tidewater since assuming the Suffolk family shelter in 2008. In 2018 ForKids opened The Birdsong Center at 119 W. Constance Road, a facility better suited to its clients, staff and programs.

Last year, the ForKids Housing Crisis Hotline received 2,608 calls for help across Western Tidewater. ForKids Western Tidewater programs include emergency shelter, housing stability, education and economic mobility. Through these programs ForKids served 61 households and 123 children in Western Tidewater last year.

To learn more about the Field Day events, sponsor or register, visit https://www.forkids.org/field-day-forkids