NATCHEZ — There are a number of reasons the same celebrities keep coming to Natchez each year, but the main reason they come is for the children.

That’s what Nancy Hungerford, executive director for the Natchez Children’s Home Services, said after announcing approximately 15 celebrities would participate in this year’s Celebrity Players Golf Outing.

Guests will arrive Thursday, Nov. 3, and the tournament will take place Friday afternoon, Nov. 4, at Beau Pré Country Club. Hungerford said funds raised from this year’s tournament will go toward phase two of the children’s home’s playground project.

“One of the highlights for the celebrities is for them to visit the children’s home that Friday morning before play starts,” Hungerford said.

“We have a light breakfast, and then we give them the tour. The kids love it. They don’t really know these people are celebrities — to (the children), they’re just friendly, wonderful folks that give them attention. It makes the meaning of the tournament all the more real.”

Lee Moore, director of public relations for the Celebrity Players Tour, which is in charge of organizing the event, said many familiar faces will dot this year’s tournament. Major League Baseball umpire Joe West, HGTV “Decorating Cents” host Kelly Edge and former Southern Miss and NFL kicker Ray Guy.

Rick Seratte, former keyboard player for the band Whitesnake, and former college and NFL head coach Ray Perkins will also be attending this year’s tournament.

“They come to support Nancy, of course, and they love being in the community,” Moore said. “They’ve come to know the people here, so they come here for the food and fellowship. For many of them, it’s like a homecoming.”

Moore also said Beau Pré always makes for an excellent location to play golf.

“It’s a real gift in Natchez to have that course here,” Moore said. “Tom (Bryant) and the folks out there to a great job. The course is always in wonderful shape.”

Hungerford said they’re still looking for participants. A $500 sponsorship includes a round of golf for a two-person team, and a four-person team costs $1,000. Hole sponsorships are available for $100.

Major sponsors of the tournament include Natchez Community Hospital, the Grand Soleil Resort and United Mississippi Bank.

As much fun as golf and food is, Hungerford said she always has a hard time pulling the celebrities away from the children when the celebrities visit.

“It’s hard to round them up. It’s like herding cats,” Hungerford said.