Pechanga Golf Tournament Raises $100K For Local Charities

Three Inland Empire charities will be splitting more than $100,000 raised during a two-day golf tournament hosted by the Pechanga Indian Reservation, tribal officials said today.

The 15th annual Pechanga Golf Classic wrapped up Thursday, capping multiple rounds of play by 300 golfers on the 18-hole Journey at Pechanga golf course.

Proceeds from the event will go to the following nonprofits: Jacob's House, Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Inland Empire and Second Harvest Food Bank.

"Pechanga has long upheld a tradition of providing critical resources for the children and families of our community," said Pechanga Development Corp. President Patrick Murphy.

"Each year, we choose this special tournament to recognize organizations and groups that work to meet the needs of our region," he said. "We recognize these groups because they provide invaluable services to our community, giving food, clothing, shelter, and physical and emotional support to at-risk families and others in crisis."

Jacob's House operates a 3,800-square-foot home near Temecula Valley Hospital where up to four families with loved ones undergoing treatment for traumatic injuries can go for shelter and support services. The organization is endeavoring to build a larger facility in order to serve a great number of families, representatives said.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation, which funds trips and other outings for children with life-threatening illnesses, will use its share of the tournament proceeds to grant the wishes of five children in the region, according to Make- A-Wish CEO Stephanie McCormick.

Second Harvest Food Bank provides canned goods, fruits, vegetables and other edibles to more than 400 soup kitchens, pantries and other charities that serve the needy. The organization also sustains food programs at halfway houses, daycare centers and shelters for abused women and children.

"We are thankful for the support of Pechanga and the community, because without them, we could not do what we do for this region," said Catherine Ferguson, director of Second Harvest Donor Relations. "For every dollar donated to Second Harvest, we can distribute over $25 worth of food to our communities, so this donation is literally helping to feed thousands of families."  --City News Service