Courtesy photo.
VENTURA COUNTY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) on May 7 held its most successful Golf Classic since the first tournament in 1973, by grossing over $250,000. The Golf Classic is already BBSVC’s top-performing signature fundraising event, which delivers the resources necessary to support 1,500 youth who are facing adversity in Ventura County.
This year’s Golf Classic was presented by Select Staffing, which returned as title sponsor and celebrated 17 years of support for the event. Former Los Angeles Rams Quarterback, Vince Ferragamo, returned for his second year as host and keynote speaker. Says Ferragamo, “The day was beautiful, the course played great. We played as if we were the only group on the course despite us having a field full of golfers; the volunteers and staff were very hospitable. It was fun, and we raised a lot of money [for the cause].”
In addition to being a transformational year for the BBSVC Golf Classic, it was also able to mark itself as the first charity event at the newly reinvented Saticoy Club. “As the first tournament under the club’s new ownership, we were impressed with the plans they have for the future,” says BBSVC CEO, Lynne West. “The new owners of The Saticoy Club and the entire staff – many of whom have been friends of BBSVC for many years – helped to make it the wonderful experience enjoyed by all. It’s no surprise that our guests were telling us that 2018 was their favorite Golf Classic yet!”
Other new surprises for the day included guest access to the Travis Mathew Experience – an opportunity for golfers to select their own brand merchandise as a gift from BBSVC. Big Brother Aaron Kirby and Little Brother Elijah were recognized as Big & Little Match of the Year, and were celebrated throughout the day. In the evening, an announcement was made that two anonymous donors offered a combined $15,000 donation to be matched, dollar for dollar, during the evening. Thanks to the generosity of those in attendance, that goal was reached for a total of $30,000!
The BBSVC Golf Classic raises the much-needed funds to help to change the trajectory of youth facing adversity in Ventura County by creating lifelong friendships through one-to-one-mentoring. The funds raised from 2018’s tournament will focus on support for program youth who were traumatized by the impact of the Thomas Fire. In addition to directly working with each family, BBSVC has been taking on the task of ensuring that all of the Bigs in its mentoring program are trained to have better awareness of early childhood trauma, helping them to become a better resource for their mentees during the healing process, and beyond.
BBSVC would like to extend special thanks to the event chairs Kathy Sottile and Alex Olsen, the event committee, Mike Van der Goes (General Manager) and his team at The Saticoy Club, and the many sponsors and guests who help shape BBSVC’s Golf Classic to be bigger and better each year. Says West, “We’re so excited to celebrate this positive impact our friends and community partners make by building a more exciting Golf Classic event every year for all to enjoy. Save the date for next year’s tournament!”
For more information about BBSVC or the annual Golf Classic, please contact Danica Selvaggio at 805.484.2282 or dselvaggio@bbsvc.org for more information. Additional event photos available at facebook.com/bbsvc.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County: Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBSVC) has been helping youth in Ventura County and neighboring communities realize their potential for over 48 years. Facilitating more than 1,500 one-to-one mentoring relationships annually, BBSVC is committed to bringing this life-changing program to every child who needs it. BBSVC is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that depends on private donors for 75% of its funding. To donate, become a mentor, or learn more about BBSVC, please call 805-484-2282 or visit www.bbsvc.org