Bill Wethersbee, chairman of the Richland County Sheriff’s Foundation golf tournament, took some time to coach Sgt. Don Robinson’s daughter, Marlene, on her putt. The day was overcast, but the spirits of the men and women at Woodlands Country Club on Monday were high as they prepared for 18 holes of golf, a putting contest and to bid in a silent auction, to raise money for the Richland County Sheriff’s Foundation.

Twenty–three teams of four representing local businesses, corporations, and individuals, took part in the event, expected to net the foundation over $20,000.

Founded in 1994 by Bob Pulliam, of Pulliam Ford, the Richland County Sheriff’s Foundation is a supplement to the general fund of the department.

“We saw an opportunity to create additional programming for the Sheriff’s Department and knew we could help,” says Bob Pulliam, CEO of Pulliam Ford. “Over the years, we’ve been able to provide them with financial support and a vehicle for the Kid’s Print program, all investments that the Sheriff’s Department has put to quality use.”

The foundation supports programs that would not otherwise be accounted for including, Kid’s Print, Sheriff’s Explorer Program, K–9 Unit, scholarship fund, and much more.

Kid’s Print is a free service for parents, where photographs and fingerprints of children are taken and recorded in an effort to make locating them easier in the event of a tragedy such as runaways and kidnappings.

Sheriff’s Explorer Program is a training and education program for Richland County youth who are interested in law enforcement. Many graduates of this program go on to work for police departments across the state.

Earlier this year, the foundation purchased multiple trained dogs for the bomb squad and to continue with safe K–9 policing efforts.

Also, deputies wishing to expand and extend their education, are supported by the foundation, and a scholarship fund has been set up for the children of deputies who because of financial limitations wouldn’t be able to pursue continuing education opportunities.

Additionally, foundation funds are used for the Deputy Support program, which was created to financially support deputies in times of crisis. Earlier this year, when Deputy Torrey Hollis lost his battle with cancer, the foundation was able to step in and provide financial and legal services to the family to help them deal with the escalating hospital and funeral expenses.

Furthermore, a Deputy Excellence Recognition program has been established to, on a monthly basis, recognize one Richland County Sheriff’s Department deputy whose excellence in services has proven to be an inspiration and model for his fellow deputies. Deputies of the month are recognized and shown appreciation at an end of the year banquet, presented in their honor.

“The foundation is truly an asset to our department and has allowed us to do things that our budgetary restraints simply wouldn’t allow for in these difficult financial times,” said Sheriff Leon Lott. “The support the foundation provides shows how much our community respects and appreciates law enforcement.”

The annual golf tournament has been taking place since the foundations founding a decade ago. Over the years, the tournament has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to create and continue with programming and community assistance.

“It’s amazing to see the outpouring of support from corporations and individuals at this golf tournament,” says Bill Wethersbee, chairman of the golf tournament. “Everyone who takes part in putting the tournament together volunteers their time and talent and we are grateful.”

Throughout the year, the foundation continues to seek ways to raise money, including manning a parking lot at USC games, donated by Budweiser of Columbia. They also receive regular donations and contributions from local residents.