The community has rallied to raise funds for a heart-warming charity originating in Mount Gambier.

More than $30,000 was raised for the inaugural Will Norman Foundation Ambrose Golf Day, held at the Blue Lake Golf Links.

The foundation supports opportunities for local youth who value and act with integrity, initiative, and strive for continual improvement.

It was created in memory of local teenager Will Norman, who tragically died late last year.

More than 160 golfers teed off with an overwhelming amount of support seeing ample prizes on offer, novelties at each hole and generous overall placegetters prize pool.

The day concluded with live music in the surrounds of the 19th hole, for A Day on the Green, a chance for non-golfers to show their support, relaxing with a drink and some music.

A spokesperson for the event said everyone in attendance wanted to show their support for the Norman family and the recently established foundation.

“Support shown to the Norman family has been a testament to the local and wider community,” the spokesperson said.

“But nobody could have predicted just how much money would be raised at the inaugural event for the foundation.

“With the golf day entries, combined with silent auction, main auction items, donations plus ticket sales for the Day on the Greens function, the final figure of $30,140.10 was raised.

“This money will be a huge kickstart for the foundation, to be able to provide young people with a similar work ethic and values to those of what Will has, an opportunity to reach their goals with the help of the foundation.”