Hotel CaliFOREnia was the theme for the 17th annual Xavier College Preparatory High School golf tournament, held at the renowned Classic Club on a warm day in February. The sold-out event boasted a full flight of avid golfers and raised much-needed funds for Xavier’s athletic programs. Alexis Mullinix from Xavier’s Advancement Department chaired the tournament.
“We are so grateful for everyone who participates in our annual golf tournament,” said DoeDee Rover, Xavier’s vice president. “These incredible individuals are more than just golfers and event sponsors — they are loyal and dedicated supporters of Xavier’s mission. Together, we are shaping the future by educating and empowering these young men and women of faith — our fabulous students we call Saints.”
The tournament commenced at 8 a.m. and included a putting contest followed by a shotgun start. Boxed lunches were provided for all golfers. Post-tournament festivities included an awards cocktail party complete with raffle prizes and a silent auction featuring such items as a four-night mountain getaway in Brian Head, Utah; tickets to professional bull riding at Acrisure Arena; Director’s Lounge tickets to Del Mar racetrack; VIP tour and tickets for Santa Anita Park; and a golf foursome at Thunderbird Country Club.
“Over 54% of our families receive tuition assistance to even attend Xavier, so these funds are vital to ensure all of our students have the opportunity to participate in athletics,” said Andrew Clark, the school’s director of athletics. “This golf tournament is one of my favorite events because it connects our athletes and gives them a chance to meet those individuals and corporate sponsors who support them. And, in turn, our supporters are able to build connections with those students they are supporting.”
Golf awards were presented to Ayden Rosales, Gabe Rosales and Steven Tran (speed hole award); Stephanie Boucree (women’s longest drive); Craig Ellis (men’s longest drive); Lyssa Vermillion, Stephanie Boucree, Colette Taormina and Ji Park (women’s first place); Marvin Scott, Casey Scott, JJ McMillen and Brian Nayfack (men’s first place); Russ Molina, Andrew Clark, Travis Feist and Ross Canavan (second place); and Jonathan Gist, Mark Campbell, Mike Walton and Matt Jiggins (third place).
Event sponsors included West Coast Turf, the De Klotz Family, Legacy Prosthetics & Orthotics, Dolan Xitco, Granite Construction, L & L Door and Window, Xpress Graphics, Shalhoub Family McDonald’s, Fromberg Edelstein Fromberg, Sperber & Sons, Stuft Pizza, the Vermillion Family, BuzzBox Premium Cocktails, La Quinta Brewing Co., Chick-fil-A Palm Desert and Chavez Jessup GMC.
For information on Xavier Prep or to make a donation, visit xavierprep.org.
Madeline Zuckerman is owner and president of M. Zuckerman Marketing & Public Relations Inc., a marketing, branding, public relations and special events firm with offices in Rancho Mirage and Newport Beach, California. Zuckerman is a founder of McCallum Theatre, a Desert Arc Champion, a member of the Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation and a board member of the One Valley Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the Coachella Valley Firebirds. She has been a guest reporter for The Desert Sun for 18 years.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Xavier Prep’s annual golf tournament raises money for athletics
Reporting by Madeline Zuckerman, Special to The Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
