The annual HOPE International Golf Outing isn't a professional golf tournament. But the players will be playing for money - the kind that can change people's lives.

"Money can be used as a tool, as long as it can be used in the right way," said Jeff Rutt, founder and chairman of HOPE International. "The power of enterprise is learning to be responsible. It allows charities to be very healthy. There's power in money being used in the right way."

The 24th edition of the HOPE International Golf Outing will be conducted on Friday, Sept. 13, at three courses: Iron Valley Golf Club, 201 Iron Valley Drive, Lebanon; Wyncote Golf Club, 50 Wyncote Drive, Oxford; and the Woodlands Golf Course, 2309 Ridge Road, Windsor Mill, Md. To register, go to http://www.hopeinternational.org/take-action/event/24th-annual-golf-tournament. The deadline for players to register is Sunday, Sept. 1.

"The vibe is going to be very much about engagement and learning more about the purpose (of HOPE International)," said Rutt of the atmosphere of the day. "It's all about fellowship and getting to know others who are like-minded. If I'm engaged in some sort of outreach, it creates a different type of purpose. It's not about how good of a score I can get."

Organizers of the HOPE International Golf Outing would like to draw up to 375 players total to the three courses. In conjunction with two separate sister golf outings, the goal is to raise a total of $1.4 million for the work of the faith-based nonprofit, which includes lending programs, Christ-centered financial training, saving programs, discipleship and Bible-based training - all of which possess the power to break cycles of poverty and to change the plights of future generations.

Over the 27 years of its existence, HOPE International has raised $280 million and lent $1.7 billion.

"There's poverty everywhere, but it's all relative," said Rutt. "There are needs everywhere. We'd love to come alongside everyone. ... We believe a holistic approach is really impactful. Here's a quote from one of our clients: 'It's really hard to focus on your prayer life when you're hungry.'"

Headquartered at 227 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster, HOPE International has a reach that has steadily expanded over its existence to provide services for those in need around the globe. HOPE International conducts 15 major regional fundraising events annually.

Since its inception in 2000, the HOPE International Golf Outing has raised more than $7 million for the mission.

"Yes, it's golf, but it's not about the golf," said Rutt. "It's what happens from the golf. While we're having fun hitting that little white ball, we're looking to drive out poverty in all of its forms. Twenty-three years ago, we started using golf as a vehicle. It just kind of stuck. We found it was a good way to engage sponsors."

"I think some of the sponsors' motivation comes from the why behind the mission," continued Rutt. "There's a large network of folks learning about HOPE International. Hopefully, there's going to be some folks who are interested in going on trips. The camaraderie and fun of the day is just sprinkled in. We're going to bond together over a great cause."

For additional information about HOPE International, go to http://www.hopeinternational.org.