Georgia Public Defense Foundation Hosts Second Annual Charity Golf Tournament

The Georgia Public Defense Foundation (GPDF) welcomed sponsors, partners, public servants, students, and community advocates to Eagles Landing Country Club on Monday, April 20, 2026, for its 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament - a day of competition, fellowship, and fundraising in support of the Foundation's signature Ladders Program, which creates pathways to education and employment for young adults seeking a second chance.

More than 80 guests participated in the sold-out event, including 16 four- and five-player teams from across the public, private, and faith-based sectors. Play began with a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m., followed by a lunch and awards ceremony hosted by master of ceremonies D'Andre Berry of the Georgia Public Defender Council.

"What you saw today is real. It is not a story. It is not an idea. It is real people, real progress, and real lives being transformed - and it is only possible because of you."

- Omotayo Alli, Executive Director, Georgia Public Defender Council

Spotlight on the Ladders Program

Kenya Holmes, Program Manager of the Ladders Program, addressed attendees during the awards ceremony to describe the work being underwritten by tournament proceeds. Ladders supports young adults, typically between the ages of 17 and 24, as they pursue their GED, earn vocational certifications, and build practical job-readiness skills.

Attendees then heard directly from Ladders participant Demarion McNeal, who shared his own path from uncertainty to purpose and was recognized on stage with a certificate of achievement. "Because of events like this, people like me are given a second chance - an opportunity to grow, to succeed, and to change our future," Demarion told the room.

Gayle B. Murray, Esq., Director of the Youth Advocacy Division, also joined the program to underscore the Foundation's broader youth-focused mission.

A First Round for the Next Generation

One of the most memorable elements of the day was the presence of two teams of scouts from the Atlanta Area Council, Scouting America. For many of the young participants, this was their first time setting foot on a championship course and their first time playing in a tournament environment - an experience many of them would not otherwise have had the opportunity to enjoy.

A Day of Powerful Aligned Partnerships

The Foundation extends its deep gratitude to the organizations whose teams made the tournament possible, including Consist Tech, the Georgia Power Foundation, the Clayton County Tax Commissioner's Office, Bethesda Cathedral, Golf Women Business, Reentry Art, Morehouse College, and the Atlanta Area Council, Scouting America, which fielded two teams of youth and adult leaders.

On-Course Competition

Following 18 holes of scramble-style play, tournament awards were presented for third, second, and first place. Executive Director Omotayo Alli and members of the GPDF leadership team presented trophies to the winning squads in front of a packed ballroom.

Looking Ahead

Proceeds from the tournament will directly support the Ladders Program and the Foundation's broader advocacy, education, and reentry work throughout Georgia. The Foundation is also announcing plans to expand the tournament beyond metro Atlanta in future years. The goal is to bring the fellowship, fundraising, and youth-engagement elements of the event directly into the communities the Foundation serves, and to create new on-ramps for local sponsors, partners, and young people across every region of the state.