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DARE was developed by educators, researchers and drug prevention specialists to teach kids to resist drugs, alcohol and tobacco while developing self-esteem. The decision to teach DARE is voluntary with police, schools, parents and citizens deciding to put the curriculum in the school system.

Now in its 20th year, the Boyne City, East Jordan and Charlevoix County police officers have put on an annual golf benefit fundraiser and dinner to support the program. Members of the community have come out in force in previous years to support this endeavor.

"There are probably some law enforcement personnel from around the surrounding areas that participate from time to time but we get a mix of everybody," Boyne City Police Chief Randall Howard said. "Every year we seem to do real well and we get a lot of support from everybody out there for the fundraiser."

The fundraiser was setup to buy the books and classroom materials for DARE and the event has raised enough money every year to take care of the material costs without touching the police or school budgets.

"All of the work books, graduation expenses, DARE t-shirts and plaques have come at no cost to the taxpayers," Howard explained. "The golf event covers the costs even today. The school has never funded any money and neither have the taxpayers. Nothing has come out of anybody's budget."

Assistant Police Chief Jeffrey Gettel is one of the certified DARE instructors that completed an intensive two week training program to teach in Boyne City. The curriculum provides information for decision making, the consequences of harmful drugs and violence and a blueprint to resist peer pressure.

"It also has a good affect as far as a relationship with a uniformed police officer. The kids get to know them as a teacher as opposed to out on the streets. I think a real good rapport develops that way," Howard added. "We've noticed a difference since we had the DARE program. The kids will come up to officers in the summer and approach us and talk to us. They are more comfortable, it's some of the things the program is designed to do."

The DARE Golf Benefit and Dinner fund raising event with be held at Boyne Mountain on May 22. Tee time is noon on the Alpine Course and dinner starts at 5 p.m. at the Eriksen's Restaurant at Boyne Mountain.

For more information on participating in the event, donations or volunteer efforts, call the Boyne City Police Department at 231-582-6611.

Jeff Bergren can be reached at jbergren@michigannewspapers.com or by calling 231-582-6761.