ROCHELLE — On Friday, Aug. 9, Focus House held its second annual Golf Play Day Fundraiser at Fairways Golf Course in Rochelle. The event was sold out for the second year in a  row and the course was filled with community supporters of the Rochelle organization that provides a continuum of quality services for at-risk youth.

The event began with food and a shotgun start, along with a welcome by Focus House Director of Operations Brenda Mason and Foundation for Focus House Executive Director Jeni Hardin, who both thanked the golfers that took part on Aug. 9. 

“Things have gone amazing today,” Hardin said. “Everything has been very smooth. It can be scary to put together a huge event like this and not know how it will all go. Every team showed up, which is exciting. We can't do what we do without our sponsors and the support of the community. Rochelle and all of Ogle County really comes together to help Focus House and the foundation. We're pleased and thankful. Any time we ask for something, someone in the community steps up. We had a lot more sponsors this year. That and selling out the event again means a lot to me.”

Every dollar raised at the golf outing and in Focus House’s other fundraising work goes directly to the youth it services. Expenses fundraisers help cover include school supplies, costs of activities, and gas cards and food for visits with families. 

“Every penny goes to the kids,” Hardin said. “They sometimes come to us with nothing and no clothes or seasonal wear. Some come from broken homes and their parents aren't active in their lives. Sometimes their clothes are too small or their shoes have holes in them. We always make sure they get everything they need. Pretty much anything a kid needs to get through our program successfully, that's where the money goes.”

Hardin said seeing so many of Focus House’s supporters in the same place at the same time meant a lot to her. 

“Last year I cried when I was thanking everyone,” Hardin said. “It's just so cool to look out and just see all of these people here because they want to help the kids. All of these people are here because they support Focus House. A lot of them aren't even golfers and they come out for just a fun day. I love seeing it.”