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ALBANY, GA -- "This is a chance for us to get out and have a good afternoon, enjoy each other’s fellowship, and have a little friendly competition but still raise money for a real good cause," said Chief Don Cheek of the Dougherty County Police Dept..

The 4^th Annual Commander’s Cup teed off Friday at Grand Isle.

Each year, golfers with the Southwest Georgia Sherriff’s and Police Intelligent Unit hit the links to raise money for a worthy cause.

This year’s worthy cause is Lily Pad Center.

"Lily Pad serves all Southwest Georgia sexual assault victims/children who have been victims or have witnessed violent crimes," said Jason Armstrong of the Dougherty County District Attorney's Office. "They do a lot of good work in our community."

Amy Boney is with Firefly, Lily Pad’s child advocacy organization.

"Children’s advocacy centers provide a child-friendly environment for children to come home to rather than schools, law enforcement, DFCS offices," said Boney. "Events like this are crucial to us, especially during this extreme economic time we’re facing at the moment. Grant monies are not there nearly as readily as they have been in the past."  

The tournament is named for former DNR Supervisor Mike Commander who died in 2007.

Most of the players at the tournament say they’re not exactly proud of their golf game but they are proud of law enforcement’s relationship with Lily Pad.

"This is something we utilize almost daily in law enforcement so we’re real involved with them," said Cheek.

And that appreciation is a two-way street.

"We work shoulder to shoulder with police officers every day," said Boney. "We know what a thankless job they have. They’re really unsung heroes and we have such a great team in Dougherty County."