California’s San Manuel Casino has hosted its 21st annual golf tournament this week, raising in excess of $275,000 for five native American non-profit organisations across the country.
Held in partnership with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, over 600 competitors teed off at the two ocean-view golf courses at Pelican Hill Resort Club in Newport Beach.
Before this year’s offering the San Manuel charitable giving program selected five non-profit organisations focused on education, health, economic and community development, or special projects to honour with the proceeds from the event.
The 2019 charity recipients include the California Consortium for Urban Indian Health California Indian Legal Services, Chief Seattle Club from Seattle, Washington, Haskell Foundation in Lawrence, Kansas and Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation based on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, each of which is to receive in the region of $55,000.
Lynn Valbuena, chairwoman of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, said of the charitable event: “Even in our 21st year, I am continually amazed by the generosity of our sponsors and partners to continue San Manuel’s mission of assisting philanthropic organisations in the broader community.
“These five organisations are dedicated to improving the lives of so many Native American communities across the nation and we are so proud to be in a position where we can help. The tournament is just one of the many ways San Manuel embodies a culture of giving back.”
Over the last 20 years the annual San Manuel Golf Tournament has donated more than $1.6m in charitable funds to 36 non-profit organisations.
Joe Sperazza, OC golf events president and owner, added: “We produce over 50 large golf events per year, none bigger or more exciting than San Manuel’s annual tournament. We look forward to collaborating with them each year, and bringing that first in class experience San Manuel Casino is known for to a grand stage.”
