The Friendship Community is looking to increase its circle of advocates. A social sporting experience, golf can strengthen connections, while raising funds and promoting fun.

The next edition of the Friendship Community's annual Irvin C. Enck Memorial Golf Tournament is upon us. It's one of three major fundraisers that the Manheim Township nonprofit conducts regularly.

"It seems to be a popular event," said Calista White, Friendship Community's development associate. "It's a fun day for all. It's really a relaxed day. Volunteers get to mingle with supporters. We have great things for the golfers who come out to support the cause. It's a wonderful time to make connections, make new friends and hang out."

Named for a former dedicated director of building and maintenance, the 24th annual Irvin C. Enck Memorial Golf Tournament will be conducted on Thursday, Sept. 12, at Foxchase Golf Club, 300 Stevens Road, Stevens. The event will feature a 7:30 a.m. shotgun start, scramble format scoring, continental breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks, prizes and special games. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

The participation deadline for golfers is Friday, Aug. 30. Golfers can register by going to http://www.friendshipcommunity.net/event/golf-tournament-2024.

All proceeds from the golf outing will benefit Friendship Community, a faith-based organization that cultivates capabilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism from Lancaster and Lebanon counties.

"Any support people are willing to give, whether it's donations, sponsorships, participation or just a simple prayer, truly benefits the purpose and impacts the individuals," said White. "It's very much appreciated."

More than 100 golfers are expected to participate. The Friendship Community seeks to make $40,000 from the event.

"All funds raised will go toward our mission, supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism," said White. "We have residential programs, day programs, life-enrichment programs and 24 group homes."

Friendship Community's annual fundraising golf outing was established in 2000 at Lebanon Valley Golf Course in Myerstown. In 2013, the event was moved to Foxchase amid steady and continuing growth.

The event requires a group of about 30 staff members and volunteers to pull off.

"A lot of our golfers have been supporters for years and years," said White. "Some are from business sponsors. Some are family and friends of individuals and staff. We also have that small group of people who are new."

In addition to the golf outing, Friendship Community raises funds for its art program, gallery and two studios through an art benefit auction in March. The nonprofit also conducts a benefit Post Fest, 5K and 10K in May at its main offices at 1149 E. Oregon Road, Lancaster.

"It means we're a community," said White of Friendship Community's name. "We support a population of people with intellectual disabilities and autism. At one time, it was very rare that they had the resources and a place to go. We provide them a home. We want to provide opportunities. We do what we can to provide for those individuals."

Founded in 1972 by a group of concerned parents with a plan to better support their children with disabilities, Friendship Community has grown from serving 12 individuals to helping more than 150.

"We strive to create an environment for these individuals to thrive," said White. "We do stick to our values and faith. That's the glue that holds it all together."

For additional information about the Friendship Community, go to http://www.friendshipcommunity.net.