The Junior Achievement of Eastern Ohio (JAEO) held its 4th annual Swing Fore JA Golf Classic Monday, July 29, and brought in some big bucks for local literacy programs.

Held at the Lake Club in Poland, the event raised over $67,000, according to a news release from the organization.

That money will go toward supporting financial literacy programming throughout the Mahoning Valley and Ashtabula County.

Additionally, the organization also gave a $1,000 award to help Ivy Rath, a recent graduate of Victory Christian School, to continue her studies at Liberty University. Rath is pursuing a degree in English with the hopes of being a published author.

Part of the Michael J. Alexander Memorial Scholarship, which honors Mike Alexander a JAEO board member and advocate for youth financial education. Alexander died of cancer in 2022.

"To be able to recognize a deserving student by honoring an amazing person and advocate for youth financial literacy, shows a generational commitment to owning your own financial success through hands-on education," said Michele Merkel, president of JAEO. "We are pleased to be able to support Ivy in her collegiate journey, on behalf of Mike's family, friends, coworkers, and fellow board members."