VALDOSTA, Ga. — An upcoming golf tournament will be in full swing to spotlight cancer awareness while also raising money for a community center. 

Valdosta Citizens of Georgia Power will host the Fourth Annual Golf Tournament 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Sept. 27, at Kinderlou Forest Golf Course.

Proceeds will go to Southside Recreation Center and Lowndes County Relay For Life, said Indira Stephens, president of Valdosta Citizens.

Stephens said Georgia Power likes to help Relay For Life.

“Sadly, you really can’t go through life without meeting at least one person that has been touched by cancer, so Relay For Life is definitely an organization that we feel strongly about,” she said.

Valdosta Citizens worked with Southside Recreation last year as it refurbished the center’s play area, replacing, equipping and donating basketball nets and a basketball goal, organizers said.

“Those are projects that we like to do, where we can show up, use our hands and kind of assist an organization that way,” said David Metcalf, Valdosta Citizens second vice president.

Stephens said following the 2017 partnership of Valdosta Citizens and Southside Recreation, the organization discovered the community center had more needs.

The 2018 fundraising efforts will consist of 25 four-man teams vying for the winning trophy.

Registration is $500 until Sept. 7. The fee consists of a free shot, breakfast and lunch, organizers said.

Last year, Valdosta Citizens raised at least $9,000 for its charitable groups, and Stephens said she hopes to top that goal.

“We try to share the love, if you will … we try to spread it out through different organizations through the community,” Metcalf said.

The title sponsor is the Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority. Sponsorships are still available until Sept. 7. The deadline for submitting door prizes or raffle items is Sept. 25.

Covington’s Dining and Catering will provide breakfast, and Kinderlou will cater lunch for participants and sponsors, Stephens said.

Email iastephe@southernco.com, or call (229) 241-2250 for more information. Or call (229) 241-2279. 

Amanda Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.