PENN TWP — It's all about the kids.

The 19th annual Fore The Children Golf Classic takes place Monday at Butler Country Club. Shotgun start for the four-person scramble is at noon.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Butler County Family YMCA's Annual Support Campaign. That campaign funds the Y's Reach and Rise group youth mentoring program, its summer food program — providing free access to healthy snacks and meals when school is out for the summer — and its water safety program.

“We're hoping this year's golf event raises at least $30,000 toward those programs,” said Jill Doria, Director of Marketing Stratey and Development for the Butler County Family YMCA. “It raised $34,000 last year.”

The field of golfers is full. A dinner will follow the event and is available to anyone for a $35 fee.

Basket raffles and silent auctions will also take place.

“The YMCA puts on a presentation about the Reach and Rise program,” Doria said. “A lot of people come for the dinner and to see that presentation. It's very worthwhile.”

Doria added that those interested in just the dinner may come to the country club Monday and pay for the meal at that time.

The Y's Reach and Rise program is for children ages 8-15. Two trained mentors facilitate groups with six kids. The program is designed to use group activities to help build healthy, supportive, safe and fun relationships with youths.

Group mentoriong sessions are held three times a year through 16-week fall and spring sessions and eight-week summer sessions.

Doria said 50 kids have taken part in the program this year.

“Everything is done right here at the Y,” she said of the mentoring. “Schools will recommend some kids to us, some of our members may do so ... Some people walk in and see a sign about the program and become interested.

“There are 35 other YMCA's across the country using the Reach and Rise program. We're looking to expand it to the Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA (in Cranberry) as well.”

Donations to the Support Campaign may also be made by contacting Chelsy Olsen at the Butler County Family YMCA, 724-287-4733, ext. 131.