22nd Annual Another Way Charity Golf Tournament

Community EngagementBlog

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After a two-year hiatus – due to the COVID-19 pandemic – golfers of all skill levels gathered in beautiful Palm Desert for a weekend of high-spirited competition at Another Way’s 22nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament, sponsored by Pathway Inc! This event is Another Way’s most anticipated fundraiser, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to aid in fulfilling Another Way’s vision, “…a place where a person living with an intellectual and/or developmental disability can live in dignity and not fear homelessness, unsanitary living conditions, isolation, hunger, or a worsening health condition due to lack of resources.” Funds raised allows Another Way to provide food, shelter, rent assistance, and medical equipment, among other things, to over 650 IRC families in need. “Service is at the heart of the tournament,” said Lavinia Johnson, IRC Executive Director, “and the money raised is used to serve our consumers and their families who are struggling with hardships that can threaten their stability. Stabilizing the consumers living situation and bringing them hope is the goal.  Another Way lessens the consumers burden through the generous support of sponsors.  It is because of the sponsors, mostly vendors and community partners, that our consumers receive the financial help that they need to maintain their security in the community where they live.”

Andrea Gonzalez, Another Way Coordinator and Advisory Committee Chair, worked tirelessly to ensure the golf tournament checked all the expectations. This year, the tournament was kicked off on Friday, October 8th at the JW Marriot Desert Springs Resort & Spa. Event attendees were treated to an evening of live music, games, drinks, and appetizers sponsored by Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians, California Mentor, and Inland Respite.  “The ambiance at the golf tournament mixer, with how beautifully it was lit up and the weather, was perfect,” said Debra Martinez, IRC program manager and event volunteer, “It was great to see everyone having a wonderful time!” This outdoor event was perfectly paired with the picturesque, lush resort grounds featuring a lake with flocks of geese and flamingos. Attendees also had the opportunity to enter a drawing for a chance to win prizes ranging from $25 gift cards to all-inclusive getaways, graciously donated by event sponsors, committee members, and the IRC Board, among others.

The following morning, golfers made their way to the golf course check-in. They were greeted by Another Way volunteers with free goodies and a breakfast station to help fuel their morning. Towering mountains and sprawling lakes offered the perfect canvas for golfers and volunteers to take in the serene atmosphere while mingling with one another before the tournament. By 8 AM, golfers made their way to one of two championship golf courses, to test their skills on the challenging fairway, while taking in the beauty of the resort’s natural and architectural beauty. Pathway Inc., In-Roads Creative Programs Inc., 24-Hour Home Care, and People’s Care were among the many vendors who took to the course that morning, including IRC client and Consumer Advocate Stephen Donahue. “It was a true experience getting to be part of the Another Way Golf Tournament,” said Stephen, “not only was it an experience golfing, there were endless opportunities to propel my work forward for my career, both in present day, and the future. I’m crossing my fingers to be able to attend next year. Thank you again to 24-Hour Home Care for recruiting me for your team, and the opportunities.”

The tournament was followed by a banquet, later in the evening, to celebrate the winning teams and share the work Another Way is doing in the community with the money raised. Guests are reminded of the important role they play in the work Another Way does in the community. Volunteers are also thanked and recognized for selflessly donating their invaluable time to help plan and execute Another Way events. “My heart is all about serving our consumers,” said Marie Harris, Another Way Advisory Committee Treasurer, “it is important to me that the events Another Way hosts helps our consumers, such as the Food Drive, Toy Drive, rental assistance, dental, glasses etc.  I have been a part of Another Way since 2011.” It is without a doubt, that volunteers are a crucial asset to an organization’s success. The evening concluded with some very lucky winners going home with flat screen TVs, iPads, and Disneyland tickets among other prizes.

This year, the tournament hosted hundreds of guests who collectively helped raise thousands of dollars for IRC clients. Among the guests was Joe Zimmer, 24-Hour Home Care Vice President of Sales, who had this to say about the event, “2021 was my first time attending Another Way’s Golf Tournament, supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities” he shared. “I was absolutely blown away at the magnitude of support from the community who came out for this great cause. From the beautiful venue to the incredible people and fun we had attempting to play golf, I was proud to be a part of it and would love to be involved in the years to come!” Lavinia was blown away by the event and all of the hard work put into by Andrea and the committee. “This year’s golf tournament had its challenges,” Lavinia said, “as there were so many uncertainties due to the pandemic, but Andrea and the committee worked hard and made it happen. The location was perfect.  The Marriott Palm Desert offered an array of resort activities and comforts. The golf course was amazing.  It was a beautiful day, and our sponsors and golfers had a wonderful time.”

“My heart is filled with gratitude,” expressed Andrea, “after almost two years of waiting to host the tournament, I am overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support we received from everyone who participated. Due to the generosity of our sponsors and the dedication of Another Way’s volunteers, our consumers will have a resource to come to during times of hardship.”

Thank you to the following sponsors for making Another Way’s Golf Tournament a success and ensuring that our most at risk clients have a safety net in their time of need, and congratulations to In-Roads Creative Programs, Inc. for taking 1st place in the tournament!

Event Sponsor
Pathway Inc.

Elite Sponsor
Inland Respite, Inc.

Titanium Sponsor
In-Roads Creative Programs, Inc.

Platinum Sponsor
People’s Care

Diamond Sponsors
CA Housing Foundation
Union Bank

Mixer Sponsors
Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indian
California Mentor
Inland Respite

Lunch Sponsors
Arthur J. Gallagher
Care-Rite
IEHP

Silver Sponsor
Independent Options

Golf Cart Sponsors
Creating a Legacy
Dignity Group
Totally Kids

Corporate Sponsors
24 Hour Home Care
The Gray Family Foundation
Howard Chudler & Associates
Mitsubishi Cement
Shella Care
So Cal Gas
Tiarna

 


For more information, or to donate to Another Way please visit www.anotherway.org or call Andrea Gonzalez at 909-890-3045

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Community Engagement

Inland Regional Center's Community Engagement Unit can be reached at [email protected]

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