The Columbus Police Department will be hosting its annual DARE charity golf tournament at Otter Creek Golf Course on Friday.

Lt Matt Harris spokesman for the police department says that Columbus police put a large amount of resources into the drug abuse prevention program.

Harris says Columbus has one of the largest DARE programs in the state, dedicated to providing an anti-drug message to area 6th-grade students.

Harris says that the program costs more than $15,000 annually in operational costs, which is paid for through donations and fundraisers.

Harris said that they believe DARE is a vital tool to reach kids with the anti-drug message, and to build trust between the community and its officers. The department recently added a second fundraiser, a motorcycle ride, to help with the fundraising.

The golf event is $125 per person or $500 per team. That includes lunch provided by Texas Roadhouse and dinner by Mancino’s Pizza and Grinders. The winning team will receive free steak dinners for a year from Texas Roadhouse. You can get more information at columbuspd.com.