Christmas for the foster children in Butler County is looking a bit merrier.

More than $3,000 was raised during the Greenville Jaycees fifth annual Kids Classic Golf Tournament held Saturday at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Cambrian Ridge.

&uot;It was the best tournament we’ve ever had,&uot; tournament organizer and Jaycee’s member William Martin said. &uot;We had our best turnout ever and the best year for hole sponsorships. It was the largest tournament we’ve ever had.&uot;

Jaycee members will use the proceeds from the tournament to help provide presents for the foster children during their annual Christmas party later this year.

&uot;We hold this tournament every year for the children,&uot; Martin said. &uot;They’re the reason we do all our fundraisers.&uot;

The threesome comprised of Steve Grant, Vann Huff and Doug Norsworthy claimed first place in the three-man scramble. For the win, each member received a $125 gift certificate to Cambrian Ridge’s pro shop.

Jeff Fennell, Jimbo Carson and Don Barron finished second in the event and received $100 gift certificates, while the team of Gary Smith, Eric Robinson and Wayne Brooks came in third and won $75 gift certificates.

&uot;I want to thank all the players and all the businesses for donating their time and money to our worthy cause,&uot; Martin said.

The Jaycees’ tournament has been scheduled on Wednesday in years past. Martin believes changing the event to the weekend helped make the tournament such a success.

&uot;I believe the tournament was better this year because it was held on Saturday,&uot; Martin said. &uot;As a result of moving the date, we had more involvement.&uot;

The Jaycees plan to hold their sixth annual event next July. Martin encourages every golfer that participated to return.

&uot;Although it was unbearably hot, we still want to encourage golfers to come out next year,&uot; Martin said. &uot;We hope for a larger turnout in hopes of making it better than this year’s tournament.&uot;