The second annual Patriot Women Golf for America Charity Golf Tournament at Heritage Palms Country Club in Indio on Feb. 16 garnered tremendous community support. The camaraderie of those attending was evident as golfers braved the rain and windy weather conditions in support of worthwhile causes.
“Patriot Women Golf for America hosted this charity golf tournament to honor our firemen, first responders, sheriffs, police, high school golfers, veterans, active-duty military and Purple Heart veterans,” said Guido Portante, tournament chair. “Success equals a lot of hard work by our key volunteers on the golf committee, who included Jennifer Hatfield, Vicky Haeberle, Debbie Kroodsma, Collen Ryan, Karen Von der Ahe, Sandra Schulz and Wayne Crabb.”
This year’s event provided challenges for both expert and novice golfers. The tournament welcomed a full flight of golfers and 200 dinner guests, who enjoyed the lively and fun golf awards ceremony, which featured a live and a silent auction.
The inaugural golf ball drop was won by Janet Obradovich, who took home a $2,500 prize.
Baseball legend Steve Garvey again donated a once-in-a-lifetime personal invitation to join him at Dodger Stadium for a private tour and to watch a game. Lucky bidder Jesse Carrillo won this exclusive package with his bid of $6,500.
“Thank you to Steve Garvey for your extraordinary generosity, time and support of the Patriot Women Golf for America Tournament, ” said Joy Miedecke, the organization’s president. “Your commitment to our event has made a profound difference and is deeply appreciated by all.”
Coveted golf awards were presented to Jeff Davis, David Diener, Paul Lobo and Bob Nelson (first place); Pamela Henderson, Judy Harris and Oscar Hernandez (second place); Tracy Kooman, Peter Kooman, Julie Burt and Randall Burt (third place); Fran Bianca, Betty Deutsch, Kathleen Latham and Kim Wosner (first place women-only foursome); Marti Bronk, Scott Helen, Julie Czebotar and Judy Vanschoiaca (second place women-only foursome); Nelson (men’s closest to the pin); Alison Botts (women’s closest to the pin); Shane Hagar (men’s longest drive); Patty Denton (women’s longest drive); Cesar Rodriquez (men’s straightest drive); and Jennifer Kessler (women’s straightest drive).
Major event sponsors included Karen Miles and Portante, Ann’s Nail Salon, Rosatti’s Pizza, Castelli’s Ristorante, Buzzbox Premium Cocktails Inc., Barbara Andrews, Bob and Carol Emmons, Marc Shinstrom, Dick Lawson, Securitas, Lucky Lippa and John Sage, 7 Brothers Golf, Margit Chiriaco, Haines Packing Company, Sandi Phillips, Palm Desert Car Wash, Rep. Ken Calvert, Assemblymen Jeff Gonzalez, City Councilman Steve Sanchez, Assemblyman Greg Wallis, Penny Boehm, Cathy Brown and Christiane Joubert.
For more on Patriot Women Golf for America, call 760-771-9771.
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: Patriot Women Golf for America benefits community
Reporting by Madeline Zuckerman, Special to The Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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