Event Fuels Georgia’s Engine of Public Defense

Written on April 8, 2025. Posted in GPDC News.

Social Service Managers Catia De Los Santos and Kenya Holmes pictured with Representative Yasmin Neal, who leads GPDC’s Investigator Unit.

Duluth, GA — The 2025 Georgia Public Defense Foundation (GPDF) Golf Tournament was more than just an extraordinary day on the greens. It was a powerful demonstration of community solidarity, successfully raising crucial funds to support public defense and expand opportunities through the Foundation’s impactful programs.

GPDFs inaugural tournament on April 1, 2025, was held at TPC Sugarloaf, the 27-hole championship course designed by Greg Norman which hosts the annual The Mitsubishi Electric Classic, a PGA TOUR Champions event, scheduled for this year from April 21–27, 2025.

The day united golfers, sponsors, and community members around a shared mission of empowering individuals and championing equal justice.

Funds raised during and after the event will directly fuel the critical work of the Georgia Public Defender Council, including public defender training and the innovative Ladders Program, which provided second chances to youth seeking brighter futures, said Georgia Public Defender Council Executive Director Omotayo Alli.

“We were thrilled by the support we received,” Alli said. “This tournament went beyond the game—it built pathways for justice and opportunities for individuals to rise above challenges.”

Executive Director Omotayo Alli delivers closing remarks at the Banquet Reception following the tournament.

The day’s impact is being extended beyond the 18th hole. Donations remained open, and every contribution further empowers GPDF’s mission to support robust public defense and transformative opportunities for those striving to rebuild their lives.

“You can still support our mission,” Alli added. “Help keep the momentum going—because everyone deserved a fair shot at justice and opportunity.”

To donate, visit: https://www.gapdf.org/

To follow the progress, search #GPDF #LaddersProgram #GolfForJustice

An evening of connection and celebration with GPDC staff and distinguished guests at the Banquet Reception.

The Georgia Public Defender Council (GPDC) is an independent state agency dedicated to providing zealous, effective, and ethical legal defense for indigent individuals accused of crimes in Georgia. Established under the Georgia Indigent Defense Act of 2003, GPDC represents approximately 85% of defendants charged with crimes in Georgia that upholds constitutional guarantees access to a defense for those too poor to pay an attorney.

The Georgia Public Defense Foundation (GPDF) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization that supports the efforts of GPDC by funding public defender training and programs aimed at reducing recidivism. GPDF supports transformative opportunities, such as the Ladders Program, which offers free mentoring and vocational training to those aged 16 to 24 reentering to society.