29 Palms Band of Mission Indians, Spotlight 29 donate $50K to the Warburton

The 9th Annual Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament has started off on a fantastic fundraising foot in February before anyone has even had the chance to hit the links.

Wednesday, it was announced that the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians and Spotlight 29 Casino had donated $50,000 to the Warburton, which benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer, and for more than 50 years St. Jude has generously provided treatment and services for families — regardless of their ability to pay,” said Tribal Chairman Darrell Mike. “The Tribe is proud to contribute to this ongoing effort by underwriting one of its most successful annual fundraisers, The Warburton, which takes place right here in our backyard. We believe no family should have to face cancer alone.”

The Warburton has raised over $9.8 million dollars since it was founded in 2011.

The multi-day event is more than just a celebrity golf tournament, however. It kicks off on February 28 and runs through March 3, and includes a Songwriter’s Night, the Rheneypalooza Jam, the Saturday Soiree, and then the two-day tournament itself.

“We’re really excited to be a part of one of the desert’s entertaining and successful fundraising events,” said Spotlight 29 Casino Chief Operating Officer/General Manager Michael Frawley. “In addition to being a lot of fun for the attendees and participants, the tournament’s mission are consistent with our core values to help families in need.”

Here’s a snapshot of this year’s events:

Thursday, February 28 – Songwriters Night – JW Marriott Desert Springs, Palm Desert “This will be an evening with a group of renowned Nashville songwriters telling the stories behind their biggest hits, along with performing those hits,” reads an event news release. “The event will be hosted by HLN morning news anchor, Robin Meade. Tickets are $150 and include a barbecue dinner and drinks.” Friday, March 1 – Rheneypalooza Jam – JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort ballroom “[Rheneypalooza Jam] has generated a lot of buzz as “the best event in the desert” and sold out the past few years because of its unique line-up of Rock-and-Roll Hall of Famers and other famous rock legends who perform some of their hits in what becomes essentially a 4+ hour rock-and-roll variety show,” reads an event news release.” Saturday, March 2 – The Saturday Soiree -JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa Ballroom “[The event] will feature red carpet appearances that evening by many of the celebrities involved with the tournament, as well as a dinner and dancing to music by the band, Sixwire, the featured band from the television show, Nashville. Saturday & Saturday, March 2-3 – Celebrity Golf Tournament “Each foursome golfs with a celebrity. It is a non-spectator golf tournament, so those who wish to participate in the weekend’s festivities are encouraged to purchase tickets to the evening events,” reads an event news release.

For tickets and more information on this year’s event, go to thewarburton.com .