The Solanco Education Foundation (SEF) will host its annual Tee It Up for Education golf fundraiser on Friday, Aug. 18, at Tanglewood Manor Golf Club, 653 Scotland Road, Quarryville. Registration will begin at noon, followed by a shotgun start at 1 p.m. A set cost per player will include use of a golf cart, a boxed lunch and a beverage.

Players will have an opportunity to earn prizes as a team during the event. Gift cards for Tanglewood Manor will be awarded to each member of the highest-scoring teams; the first-place men's team will receive gift cards for a higher amount, while the second-place men's team and the first-place coed team will receive gift cards for a lower amount.

Individual golfers will also be able to compete for prizes in several skill contests. Closest-to-the-pin on holes 7, 13 and 16 will earn a free round of golf with complimentary use of a golf cart. A longest drive contest will be held in separate men's and women's categories, and the winner in each category will receive a free round of golf with use of a golf cart. The winner of the putting contest will be awarded half of the total money pot for the event.

The golf outing is SEF's largest annual fundraiser, and it is a tradition that has been carried on for several years. The money raised from the event allows the foundation to sustain its efforts to support students, teachers and families in the Solanco School District. SEF provides this support this through three primary methods: scholarships for graduating high school seniors, venture grants for school staff members and Solanco Strong grants for families.

At the end of each school year, SEF gives scholarships to multiple graduating seniors to assist them with their next step in education. The scholarships given out by the foundation are independent of the school district's scholarships and are made possible by SEF fundraisers. At the end of the 2022-23 school year, the foundation gave out over $22,000 in senior scholarships.

SEF is currently preparing to announce the nine recipients of this year's venture grants. The grants allow school staff members to offer enrichment activities for students and to complete projects that fall outside of the school district's budget. In the past, one venture grant allowed a teacher to create a team of students to compete in STEM competitions across the country.

Solanco Strong grants are given to families of Solanco students who are in need. The grants assist families with rent and utility bills, uniform costs and entry fees for Advanced Placement courses. The grants are also used to purchase insurance for students' school laptops.

In addition to holding fundraisers, SEF raises funds via consistent donations from teachers throughout the district. Many school staff members participate in a payroll deduction program, which raises over $10,000 for the foundation annually. "We're strong because everyone in the community participates and supports our mission," said Tom Brackbill, president of SEF's board of directors. "That's why we gave (Solanco Strong grants) the name we did. We are not only supported by teachers, but retirees and the general community."

For more information, visit https://solancoeducationfoundation.org.