Dozens of people came out Saturday to support dads wanting to take action for Richmond County's youth.

Dads In Action, a mentorship program starting at county schools this fall, held recruitment and fundraising events in south Augusta.

Richmond County sheriff's Sgt. Richard Roundtree heads the organization. Since its start in April, almost 50 men have signed up to mentor to pupils at Tubman, Morgan Road and Glenn Hills middle schools, Sgt. Roundtree said.

Saturday's events, held at Kmart on Gordon Highway and Fred's on Tobacco Road, raised about $1,500.

Johnnie Torrence of Hephzibah joined the group Saturday. He said being a father of four has prepared him to foster young people.

"God has blessed me to have men that guided me in my life," Mr. Torrence said. "Whether it's tutoring or something else, these kids need to know that there are men that care."

Dwayne Maryland agreed. He buses students around the county during the school year, and he has noticed a need for a program such as Dads in Action.

"They need that strong voice to get them to do what they need to do," he said. "I see this going further than Richmond County. I want to see this in Columbia County, too."

Dads in Action will hold a school kick-off event Aug. 9 at the Augusta State University Athletic Complex, Sgt. Roundtree said.