The student organization of the year, UGA HEROs, raised more than $5,000 at their First Annual UGA HEROs Golf Tournament.

The event, held Monday at The Georgia Club, benefitted the parent organization, H.E.R.O. for Children, Inc., based in Atlanta.

The money will help children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS – the goal for both organizations.

“Every single bit of that money went to the kids in our program in Atlanta,” said Kevin Scott, executive director for UGA HEROs and a senior from Kennesaw.

Even though the tournament was for UGA HEROs, many of the golfers were members of the Athens business community.

“We wanted to bridge the gap between college (students) and Athens businesses,” said Morgan Dorsey, the corporate relations committee chair and junior from Watkinsville. “We could really tell how we’re received in the community.”

Garrett Gravesen, co-founder of H.E.R.O. for Children, Inc., was excited not just for the students but also for the adults in the Athens community to be involved with the tournament.

“It’s great to see that the UGA business community has taken UGA HEROs as their charity of choice,” Gravesen said. “It’s great they now have a college philanthropy to rally around.”

Community sponsors, including Chick-fil-A, WelchAllyn and Athens First Bank and Trust, donated money before the tournament, and businesses each paid $200 to have advertising placement at various holes.

Prizes for the tournament included signed paraphernalia from Vince Dooley and Mark Richt and the chance to win a free car from Heyward Allen.

Each team took pictures with Dooley, and the top three teams received autographed copies.

Scott said Dooley and Coach Richt are always helpful with the UGA HEROs events. “They give more than just their names,” Scott said.

Dorsey said she was really pleased with the success of the tournament and is anxious for next year’s event.

“We plan to make it a traditional annual event,” said Dorsey.