BATAVIA, NY — More than a hundred golfers teed off early Monday in Batavia as Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame member Jim Kelly held his annual charity tournament to raise money for needy children in western New York State.

It wasn’t a typical Monday morning golf outing at Terry Hills in Batavia as the Shotgun Start was kicked off by a football legend. The sold-out tournament raises money for the Kelly for Kids Foundation, founded by Jim Kelly 37 years ago.

“I thought if I could make it 20 years, maybe that would be really good,” he said. “Now I’m here, 37 years. It’s hard to believe, but the Lord has plans to make a difference for other people, especially for all the kids out there who are suffering or going through things.”

Kelly says the tournament is like a serious version of Caddyshack. Lots of laughter. Lots of fun. But with a goal. Over the years, money has been raised for disadvantaged and disabled children in Western New York State.

“He does such a great job,” said Therese Forton-Barnes, who calls herself the “Grand Puba” of Water Buffalo Club 716. “What he has done for the community in Western New York State is just incredible.”

One charity that benefits from the annual tournament is Hunters Hope, named in honor of Kelly’s late son.

“It definitely motivates you, there’s no doubt about it,” Kelly said. “Because you’re not just doing it to raise money, you’re doing it to make a difference. And I saw what my son went through every day, and I just don’t want other kids to have to go through that.”

The tournament draws celebrities from sports and entertainment who are eager to help. The tournament also takes place the weekend after the Bills’ first preseason game – a loss to Chicago.

“If you remember when I was playing, we didn’t win a lot of preseason games,” said Kelly, who led the Bills to four Super Bowls. “I don’t think we had a winning record. But when the chin straps are buckled and the spikes are put on, we’ll see what happens.”

A quarterback who was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Monday morning and whose charity tournament has raised over $7 million for charity over the years.

“This is great,” he said. “Western New York, you couldn’t ask for a better place.”