The Warwick Boys and Girls Club returns to the green with their 43rd Annual Golf Tournament, taking place this year on Monday, September 20 at the Warwick Country Club.

In an interview Tuesday, development director Eleanor Acton shared that this was the organization’s only fundraising effort this year, due to the COVID pandemic.

“Not only is this a fun event, but it’s incredibly important to us,” she said. “We could use it, the children could use it, and who couldn’t use some fun?”

Acton said the organization held a sold-out golf tournament in 2020, and raised $20,000. She hopes to exceed that number this year.

“If you’re a golfer, this is a safe, fun thing to do on a beautiful course you might not otherwise get to play on,” she said. “Supporting the tournament, even if it’s just going on to the website and donating or buying a raffle ticket, provides fantastic services for kids who need lots of support right now.”

The cost for individual players is $250. Corporate sponsor levels for a Tee Sign start at $150. Entry fee includes lunch, dinner, snacks, green fees, and more. The event also includes a 50/50 raffle. To register for the event or to donate, visit www.wbgclubs.org or call (401) 467-4385.

“Every penny counts,” she said. “Kids and families need our help more than ever.”

The funds raised at the event will help the organization “keep the building lit and warm, ensure we have staff that’s trained to take care of children, deliver great programs to support education, support kids’ mental health, and to make sure they have a lot of fun,” said Acton.

Prior to the pandemic, the Boys and Girls Club saw enrollment of over 1,600 students.

“Hopefully we’ll be back on track to that,” said Acton. “Safety is our number one thing. Who knows what it will look like going forward.”

Acton plans to run before and after school programming “as normal” this year, and hopes to restart the popular basketball program.