Golf tournament to benefit Crime Stoppers

ALBANY — Albany Area Crime Stoppers will be hosting its 3rd annual golf tournament benefit Friday at the Grand Island Golf Club.

The tournament is the organization’s main fundraiser each year.

“We make enough to support ourselves for the entire year,” said Jamie Knight, the organization’s treasurer.

Knight said the club expects to make a total of $6,000 from the event, which would result in Crime Stoppers clearing about $3,000.

Area law enforcement agencies and the general public are expected to take part. The law enforcement agency with the lowest score will receive the Crime Stoppers Cup. First, second and third place trophies will be given to general public participants.

“There will also be a picture frame given to whoever comes in last place,” Knight said.

The overall objective behind the tournament, Knight said, is to raise awareness of the organization — which allows members of the public to assist in solving area crimes via an anonymous tip line.

“Never at any time do we ask for any part of their identity,” Knight said.

Officials are expecting roughly 20 teams to participate in this year’s event. Last year’s tournament generated a profit reflecting a 35 percent increase from the previous year.

“This will be the biggest one we’ve ever had,” Knight said.

Crime Stoppers now has a 24-hour call center, which has received a positive response.

“Our call volume has tripled in the past 12 to 18 months,” Knight said. “Our service works extremely well.

“We’ve had a lot of success stories.”

Knight added that officials are looking into bringing the service into surrounding counties and area school districts. The organization meets at 4 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Law Enforcement Center on Oglethorpe Boulevard.

The event’s shotgun start will be at 1 p.m., with registration starting at 11 a.m. The entry fee is $60 per person, and teams will set-up in groups of four. There will be a shootout to determine who will go home with a Scotty Cameron putter.

The fee includes a cart, pyramid of range balls, green fees, lunch, refreshments, prizes for the longest drive, close-ups and a putting contest.

For more information, call Knight at (229) 430-5377.