Seventy-two golfers stepped up to the tee at the renowned Olympic Club in San Francisco on June 3 to drive for change – ultimately raising more than $138,000 for Easterseals Northern California.
The event brought in Easterseals Northern California donors from across the country, clients and their families, as well as board members from parent company Catalight, vendors, and employees.
Perhaps more important than the golf itself were the heartwarming clubhouse and course interactions between Easterseals NorCal donors and the clients they’re supporting. All money raised will go directly to Easterseals NorCal intellectual and developmental disability programs and services.
“This was a great opportunity for our donors to come out and participate in a fun event at a beautiful course,” said Chief Development Officer Melanie Akins, “but also witness, in person, the importance and need for fundraising dollars right here in our community.”
Participants were treated to a meal and a round at the exclusive, private Ocean course. The 45-hole Olympic Club is the oldest athletic club in the United States – established in 1860. It’s hosted five U.S. Opens – most recently in 2012 – the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open, a pair of PGA Tour Championships and numerous amateur championships. The Ryder Cup is slated to be contested there in 2033.
“This was our first in-person fundraising event since the pandemic, so we really wanted to make it special,” said Akins. “Our Easterseals NorCal community was able to raise important funds, come together for a great time and – most importantly – create an impact. Everything was fantastic and it was a memorable experience for all involved.”
The winning scramble team from Sequoia shot a 59. They, along with the second place and third place foursomes were awarded gift cards to the Olympic Club pro shop. The “most honest” foursome received a prize pack from Top Golf San Jose.
A $25,000 hole-in-one contest was held on hole 17 but, unfortunately, no one was able to find the bottom of the cup for the elusive ace. On two of the par 5s, however, golfers found fun and favor with a golf cannon and the long drive competition. Sponsored by OneDigital, an insurance, financial services and HR consulting firm, participants, for a donation of $20, were given the option to load their ball into a cannon and blast it more than 400 yards straight down the fairway on hole 11. The more natural long drive winner was Blaine Bell on hole 4.
A silent auction – highlighted by a yacht trip around San Francisco Bay and 49ers tickets – was successful in supplementing funds raised through sponsors and entries.
Special thanks are given to the 30 volunteers who made the event possible and the many sponsors, including Morgan Stanley, Xolv, Cardwell Beach, Athena Health, and Provident Credit Union.
