Hurricane Dennis threatened to wash out the Greenville Jaycees' most important fund raiser of the year, but it was just that — a threat.

Dennis caused little to no damage at Cambrian Ridge Golf Course this past weekend, so the annual Jaycees golf tournament to benefit foster children in Butler County is a go for Saturday.

"I'm expecting about 18 teams to play in the tournament, which is about the same number we had last year," Jaycees President William Martin said.

Martin said he thought the tournament may have to be pushed back because of the arrival of Dennis, but he said he's glad the tourney will go on as planned.

"It provides 95 percent of our money to the kids," he said. "I knew we were blessed. If that eye had stayed right we would not have had a tournament. I hope that people show up to particiapate."

When foster children in and around Butler County compile their wish list of presents each Christmas, the Greenville Jaycees sometimes have to give Santa Claus a helping hand.

In order to give Santa that help, it comes from the money raised during the Jaycees annual benefit golf tournament held at Cambrian Ridge Golf Course each year.

The seventh annual tournament will kick off Saturday.

Tee off Saturday at 9 a.m.

"It's our big fund raiser of the year," said William Martin, president of the Greenville Jaycees.

The Jaycees have held other fund raisers in the past like selling Boston butts and holding raffles, but nothing has been more profitable than the golf tournament.

Last year, the Jaycees tournament had 17 three-man teams participate.

Martin said he hoped to have as many if not more teams this year. A majority of the teams who do play are from the Greenville area, but Martin said that players do come from outside the area just to play on one of the Robert Trent Golf Trail stops.

Cost to play in the tournament is $80 per person. Hole sponsorship is $100 per hole. A three-man team and hole sponsorship is $300.

Call Martin at 227-0232 for more information about the tournament.