The PO-FI-VE Golf Tournament was held back in June, but since then six beneficiaries have received the proceeds. The beneficiaries include; the Jamestown Police Department, Ellicott Police Department, Chautauqua County Water Emergency Team, Ellington Fire Department, Joseph P Dwyer Veterans Support Project and the Kennedy Fire Department. Altogether this year’s proceeds totaled $16,500 to go towards things like tactical gear, veterans programs and fire department equipment.

Chairman of the golf tournament, Chad Van Every, said that the Rand Community Philanthropic Foundation was originally started to help support local police departments and groups and the golf tournament was the idea for the best way to help raise funds for them.

“We had decent support the first year and it has grown steadily since,” Van Every said. “We expect it to continue to grow. We are very close to $50,000 overall for all three years we’ve done it in donations to local police, fire and veterans organizations.”

2023’s tournament raised $15,000 and this year that increased to $16,500. Van Every said the tentative goal for next year is $18,000. He said all proceeds that come into the foundation through the golf tournament and other sponsors are returned back to the community in various ways.

“All proceeds we bring in go back to the community to our local police organizations, fire departments and veterans groups,” Van Every said. “100% of the funds go back to the community.”

This is the third year the foundation has held the tournament, and Van Every said the goal is to have it continue to grow. He said the local community is small but supportive and word has continued to spread through other organizations that have been bringing in more support for them. Additionally, he said the proceeds go to organizations that may not have the money needed to make necessary purchases that they would like to.

Next year’s PO-FI-VE Golf Tournament is set for June 14 at the Chautauqua Golf Club. For more information on the tournament email pofive@randmachine.com or for more information about the foundation, tournament, sponsors, volunteering and more visit randmachine.com.