For the Paso Robles Police Officers Association (POA), its annual golf tournament is about more than a day on the links. The event is the organization’s largest fundraiser and provides financial support for a variety of youth programs, community organizations and individuals throughout the year.
The POA will host its 7th Annual Golf Tournament on Saturday, September 19, at Hunter Ranch Golf Course. Registration is currently open at PRPOAgolf.com
Proceeds from the tournament help fund the association’s ongoing community involvement, including its annual participation in the California Mid-State Fair Junior Livestock Auction.
For the past five years, the POA has purchased an animal at the fair’s Junior Livestock Auction as part of an effort to support local 4-H and FFA students while creating positive interactions between the youth and local law enforcement.
This year, the association purchased a market pig raised by Templeton 4-H member Hailey Reese.
The effort begins well before auction day. Prior to the fair, the POA invites FFA and 4-H students from throughout San Luis Obispo County to submit buyer letters and participate in interviews at the Paso Robles Police Department. Students meet with officers, dispatchers and other department personnel to talk about their livestock projects, the work involved in raising their animals and what they have learned through 4-H or FFA.
For Paso Robles Police Sgt. and POA Treasurer Chris Hart, those conversations are one of the most meaningful parts of the program.
“The biggest reason we do it is the interaction with the interview process ... getting the kids to come in to sit down with officers,” Hart said. “Sometimes for these kids, that's the only interaction they've ever had [with law enforcement].”
The POA interviewed approximately 75 exhibitors this year and provides add-on contributions to as many students who participate in the interview process as funding allows.
The program also gives officers an opportunity to build relationships with young people over time.
“It's pretty cool to see kids coming back ... the first year they're very nervous ... and by year four they're calling you by your first name,” Hart said.
The Junior Livestock Auction is just one example of how money raised through the POA golf tournament is returned to the community.
Last year, the association donated approximately $20,000 through youth-focused programs and other community giving. Approximately $10,000 of the tournament proceeds typically goes directly toward the POA’s Junior Livestock Auction efforts.
Throughout the year, the association also has supported local Little League and softball teams, donated to Paso Robles High School athletics, replaced stolen bicycles for children and provided emergency financial assistance to officers and their families facing unexpected hardships.
“We do so many little things all year long,” Hart said.
One example involved a child whose expensive mountain bike had been stolen. Rather than simply purchasing a less expensive replacement, the POA worked to obtain the same model the child had originally owned.
Those community efforts are made possible in large part through the support of local businesses and community members who participate in and sponsor the annual golf tournament.
Longtime supporters have included Associated Traffic Safety, Borjon Auto Center and Hope Family Wines. For the past two years, the POA also has partnered with Cal Poly to process the fair animal purchased through the Junior Livestock Auction.
While sponsorships have become increasingly competitive, Hart said the continued support from local businesses and golfers allows the POA to maintain programs that extend beyond the association’s traditional role of supporting officers and dispatchers.
The September 19 tournament at Hunter Ranch Golf Course will include breakfast, prizes and opportunities for participants to support the POA’s community efforts.
For Hart, the tournament’s success is ultimately measured by what it makes possible throughout the year.
Whether it is helping a young livestock exhibitor, supporting a local youth sports team or stepping in when a community member faces an unexpected hardship, the funds raised through the tournament allow the POA to continue investing in the community.
And while the Junior Livestock Auction purchase has become a favorite annual tradition, Hart said the most important part of the program remains the relationships built with local youth.
“It's remarkable to see kids coming year after year,” he said. “The main thing is interacting with these kids ... it's such a fun experience.”
For more information about the Paso Robles Police Officers Association or to register for the 7th Annual Golf Tournament, visit PRPOAgolf.com
