When people hit the links for the 14th annual Homecoming Golf Tournament, they'll be doing more than just playing a game. They'll help raise funds for the Donegal Atheltic Club (DAC), a grassroots organization formed to provide financial support for the Donegal School District athletic community.

The tournament will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Overlook Golf Course, 2040 Lititz Pike, Lancaster. Registration for the event, which is a scramble format, will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 1 p.m.

"This event is our major fundraiser year to year," said Scott Madara, member of the DAC board of directors.

He noted that the tournament draws many repeat players year after year, along with new participants.

"The outing is a great time at a very reasonable price," he shared. "We provide lunch, dinner, all the beverages and snacks and great prizes."

The major food sponsor of the tournament is Harvey's Main Street BBQ. Madara noted that many other individuals and organizations also sponsor the tournament to keep costs low and help to raise the most funds possible for the DAC.

"Funds are provided to support all sports for needs that are not covered in the district's athletic budget," he explained. All contributions go toward facilitating the promotion and development of Donegal athletes.

Founded in 2009, DAC operates independently of the Donegal School District while collaborating closely with the school board to advance the district's goals. Its vision is to build a secure, sustainable foundation that benefits generations of students, Donegal schools and the community. Volunteers work to ensure that every student has the opportunity to gain lifelong skills through athletics, while also providing financial support that allows the district to continue strengthening academics, the arts and other programs. In addition, DAC strives to create community-wide opportunities for recreation, fitness and sports that enhance the quality of life and overall appeal of the community.

Accomplishments of DAC include securing $1 million to offset costs of the new athletic complex; contributing $50,000 for lights in the stadium; purchasing a new scoreboard for the softball field; adding new mats in the gym room, which are also used by the wrestling team; purchasing a clock for the cross-country teams; and adding a windscreen to the baseball field

The organization is always seeking volunteers to help bolster membership, projects, committees, activities, events and fundraisers for DAC. To learn more, contact Madara at samadara8583@gmail.com.

Madara hopes people will come out for a fun day of golf and an opportunity to support Donegal athletes.

"It's one of the best golf tournaments in the area for a good cause," he said.

The deadline to register for the tournament is Monday, Sept. 1. For more information or to register, visit https://donegalathleticclub.org.