Pechanga golf tournament raises $100k for inland charities

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

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

Proceeds from the event will go to the following nonprofits: Jacob’sHouse, Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Inland Empire and Second Harvest FoodBank.

“Pechanga has long upheld a tradition of providing critical resourcesfor the children and families of our community,” said Pechanga DevelopmentCorp. President Patrick Murphy.

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

Jacob’s House operates a 3,800-square-foot home near Temecula ValleyHospital where up to four families with loved ones undergoing treatment fortraumatic injuries can go for shelter and support services. The organization isendeavoring to build a larger facility in order to serve a great number offamilies, representatives said.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation, which funds trips and other outings forchildren with life-threatening illnesses, will use its share of the tournamentproceeds 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 andother edibles to more than 400 soup kitchens, pantries and other charities thatserve the needy. The organization also sustains food programs at halfwayhouses, daycare centers and shelters for abused women and children.

“We are thankful for the support of Pechanga and the community, becausewithout them, we could not do what we do for this region,” said CatherineFerguson, director of Second Harvest Donor Relations. “For every dollardonated to Second Harvest, we can distribute over $25 worth of food to ourcommunities, so this donation is literally helping to feed thousands offamilies.”