Desert Classic Charities Donates $800,000 to Coachella Valley Community
Highlighted by a $200,000 donation to Eisenhower Medical Center, 38 local charities receive donations from 2014 Humana Challenge PGA TOUR event LA QUINTA, Calif. – Desert Classic Charities, the local nonprofit entity that organizes the Humana Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation, today donated $800,000 to Coachella Valley nonprofit organizations based on the success of the Humana Challenge PGA TOUR golf tournament held in January.
Included in the total contributions for 2014 was a donation of $200,000 presented to Eisenhower Medical Center, the event’s primary charitable beneficiary since its inception in1960. “This is one of the best parts of my job, announcing the charities that benefit from the generosity of the golf fans and sponsors that support the tournament,” said John Foster, Chairman of the Board of Desert Classic Charities, the philanthropic arm of the Humana Challenge.
“We take a great deal of pride in knowing our donations make a difference in the lives of so many people who benefit from the important work of these wonderful organizations.” During the past 55 years, the event has generated more than $56 million in donations to Eisenhower Medical Center and charities within the Coachella Valley.
At an event in La Quinta today, representatives from the Desert Classic Charities, Humana and its foundation, the Clinton Foundation and the city of La Quinta announced the recipients of this year’s tournament-related donations. La Quinta is the host city for all three Humana Challenge golf courses: the Arnold Palmer Private and Jack Nicklaus Private courses at PGA WEST and La Quinta Country Club.
“It’s an honor for me and our staff to work hard all year in partnership with such a highly-esteemed group of tournament partners and sponsors to achieve our charitable giving goals,” said Bob Marra, the executive director/CEO of the Humana Challenge.
“In addition to the great support of the fans and our sponsors, we are grateful to the members and staff of PGA WEST and La Quinta Country Club who have allowed us to utilize their spectacular courses and facilities to produce a first-class tournament that enables us to give so much to local organizations.” As is customary, the Desert Classic Charities donations were presented to nonprofit organizations in three categories:
- Structured Programs for Children
- Rehab, Social and Support Services
- Food and Shelter for the Hungry, Homeless and Abused
In addition to Eisenhower Medical Center, 37 local nonprofit organizations received gifts from Desert Classic Charities.In the Structured Programs for Children category the recipients include: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert; Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City; Boys & Girls Club of Coachella; Boys & Girls Club of Indio; Boys & Girls Club of La Quinta; Boys & Girls Club of Desert Hot Springs; Boys & Girls Club of Mecca; Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs; Coachella Valley Boxing Club; Coachella Valley Education Foundation; The John F. Kennedy Memorial Foundation for The Ophelia Project; Pathfinder Ranch and Tools for Tomorrow.
Beneficiaries in the Rehab, Social and Support Services category are ABC Club; the Alano Club of the Desert; Angel View Children’s Foundation; Coachella Valley Autism Society; Desert Arc; Desert Cancer Foundation; Guide Dogs of the Desert; Pegasus Riding Academy; Stroke Recovery Center; Visiting Nurses Association for Mourning Star; Ranch Recovery Center and United Cerebral Palsy.
The 13 organizations in the Food and Shelter for the Hungry, Homeless and Abused group include Coachella Valley Rescue Mission; Father’s Heart Ranch; F.I.N.D; Fish of the Lower Coachella Valley; Food Now; Galilee Center; Joslyn Center for Meals on Wheels; Martha’s Village and Kitchen; Mizell Senior Center; Olive Crest; Operation Safe House; Shelter from the Storm and The Well In The Desert.
The tournament, now in its 56th year, returns to La Quinta Jan. 19-25, and is a 72-hole event featuring 156 professionals at the Arnold Palmer Private Course at PGA WEST (host course), the Jack Nicklaus Private Course at PGA WEST and La Quinta Country Club. Defending Humana Challenge champion Patrick Reed is slated to defend his title.
Along with Murrieta’s Rickie Fowler, Zach Johnson, Webb Simpson and Keegan Bradley, Reed represented the United States at the 2014 Ryder Cup after playing in the 2014 Humana Challenge and was the winningest American golfer, going 3-0-1 against his European counterparts in match play and taking 3½ of a possible four points.
Information regarding Pro-Am golf tournament positions, hospitality packages and volunteer opportunities for the Humana Challenge can be sought at www.HumanaChallenge.com or by contacting the tournament office at 760-346-8184.
