The Treasurer’s United Way Golf Tournament has become a tradition of fun and important charitable giving each September in Suffolk.

Golfers can signup to play in this year’s tournament, the 16th Annual Treasurer’s United Way Golf Tournament, set for Friday, Sept. 16 at Nansemond River Golf Club.

Last year’s event was the most successful one to date for the United Way of South Hampton Roads and the more than 70 organizations depending on funds the United Way raises. All the proceeds from the day of golf, along with prizes, raffles, an awards dinner and more, totaled more than $22,000 going to charity last year.

The American Cancer Society, the Genieve Shelter, the Salvation Army and the Tidewater AIDS Community Taskforce are just a few of the organizations in the area receiving United Way funds.

Along with a day off from work and playing an outstanding golf course along the banks of the Nansemond River, golfers have chances to win prizes, some having to do with golf ability and some not at all.

A helicopter ball drop precedes the shotgun start at 10 a.m. Registration and breakfast at the course, along with the driving range and putting green, opens at 8:30 a.m.

Golfers can buy balls for the drop, with half the pool going to the United Way and half the pool going to the winner of the contest — when Suffolk treasurer Ron Williams drops a large basket of golf balls from a hovering helicopter toward a flagstick and the closest ball to the hole, or in the hole, winning.

Golfers will get lunch on the course and dinner, along with an awards ceremony, following the round.

Players can sign up as a foursome, for $400 a team, or as an individual for $100. The tournament is still looking for hole, beverage and food sponsors.

The registration deadline is Sept. 12. Registration forms can be picked up and returned to the City Treasurer’s Office, 441 Market St., Room 127, or mailed back to the office at Shirley S. Snead, Treasurer’s Office, P.O. Box 1583, 441 Market St., Suffolk, VA 23439.