Commonwealth Senior Living raised more than $100,000 to benefit the organization’s employees on Sept. 17 at the organization’s annual Commonwealth Cares Golf Classic at the Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, VA.

Now in its third year, the tournament funds Commonwealth Cares, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that helps CSL employees during times of financial hardship. This year’s amount raised was the largest in the event’s history.

“Many of us are financially unprepared for a crisis such as a health scare, fire or worse,” Commonwealth Senior Living Chief Human Resource Officer at Commonwealth Senior Living Tommy Comer said. “Commonwealth Cares provides needed financial support for all of the amazing CSL associates who work to improve the lives of seniors every day so that they can rest easy.”

To date, Commonwealth Cares has raised $477,000 and provided more than $380,000 to more than 240 CSL employees.

One of them, Ernesha Francis, who works at Commonwealth Senior Living at Williamsburg, shared her experience with others at the tournament. Francis said she was homeless for an extended period earlier this year. When she joined Commonwealth in June, the executive director at Commonwealth Senior Living at Williamsburg showed her how to apply for assistance.

“I was accepted and was able to get back on my feet,” Francis said. “Now my newborn baby and I have a roof over our heads, thanks to all the incredible individuals who support this wonderful organization. Today, I’m blessed to be able to contribute financially to Commonwealth Cares so that others like me can feel secure in knowing that Commonwealth Cares and Commonwealth Senior Living are there for them.”

Several companies sponsored the tournament.

Click here to see the In Focus archive and read how to submit your photos for consideration.