POLAND — More than 100 golfers enjoyed a round of golf and raised in excess of $10,000 for the first of what is to become an annual event. All the proceeds will be divided between the Poland and Oxford food pantries.

Suzanne Grover, Oxford Helping Hands Food Pantry director, and Cyndi Robbins, owner of Poland Springs Resort, decided to have the tournament to meet the increasing needs for those struggling to provide food for their families.

“We are seeing more and more families who need food bank assistance,” said Grover. “It’s very gratifying to see such a good response and financial results for our first golf fundraiser. The proceeds will go a long way to helping each community’s food banks.”

In addition to the money raised, participants were encouraged to contribute nonperishable food items. “Approximately 500 pounds of food was donated by the players,” said Robbins. “Also, without all the volunteers and many local sponsors there is no way we could have pulled this off on the mere 30 days we had!”

“All costs associated with the event were borne by the sponsors so all the proceeds go to a very good cause,” said Jack Sours, general manager of Oxford Casino, one of the sponsors. “It’s wonderful to support such a community effort.”