Clubs Fore Kids celebrates 11 years of benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs

Kathleen Bennett
·3 min read
Golfers warm up on the driving range before the Clubs for Kids Golf Tournament at Classic Club in Palm Desert, Calif., Dec. 13, 2023.
Golfers warm up on the driving range before the Clubs for Kids Golf Tournament at Classic Club in Palm Desert, Calif., Dec. 13, 2023.

The Clubs Fore Kids Charity Golf Tourney celebrated its 11th year in 2023. As the sun rose over the Chocolate Mountains at the host course The Classic Club Palm Desert, a nationally recognized championship course, the views did not disappoint, showcasing the beginning of a spectacular day. Each year, hospitality and business professionals support this sold-out event, which was held Dec. 13.

The tournament is presented by the Palm Springs Hospitality Association and has benefitted the Boys & Girls of Palm Springs since its inception. In addition, the hospitality foundation helps with scholarships for students pursuing hospitality related careers and/or local employees furthering their employment education.

Presenting tournament sponsors were Hilton Palm Springs, Tour de Palm Springs presented by CVSPIN and Visit Greater Palm Springs.

“Visit Greater Palm Springs is proud to be a presenting sponsor and supporting the very important Boys and Girls Club of Palm Springs," said Scott White, the organization's president and CEO. "Their services are critical for our youth and community.”

Golfers head out toward the course for the Clubs for Kids Golf Tournament at Classic Club in Palm Desert, Calif., Dec. 13, 2023.
Golfers head out toward the course for the Clubs for Kids Golf Tournament at Classic Club in Palm Desert, Calif., Dec. 13, 2023.

Thanks to presenting media sponsors Palm Springs Life, KGAY 106.5, Gay Desert Guide and media sponsors Resort Marketing, Desert Grafics and Image360. Food and beverage sponsors were Bellatrix, Lulu California Bistro and Las Casuelas Terraza. Other sponsors included Grit Development, Elmer's, Trio, CTI4Biz, Big Wheel Tours, Saguaro Palm Springs, Palm Springs Air Museum, Flannery Exchange, LAZ Parking, Harold Matzer, Spencer’s, David Feltman, Splash House, Palm Springs Power Baseball, Blackbook, Gando Properties, Sysco, Palm Mountain Resort, Courtyard by Marriott, Don't Mind Me, 1501 Uptown Gastropub, Escape Room Palm Springs and Descanso.

A putting contest was held prior to the shotgun start scramble with other featured games offered on the course by Pin-Up Golf, BackSwing Golf Events, longest drive both men and women, and two Hole in One sponsorships by Jessup Auto Plaza. An awards luncheon followed the golf tourney.

Seen at the event were Fred Williamson, former NFL defensive back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Oakland Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs. Williamson has a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars and is also a producer and director. Also present were Andrew Starke, owner Palm Springs Power Baseball; Tim Esser, founder of Tour de Plaza Palm Springs and Esser Air Conditioning and Heating; and Dan Jessup, chief executive officer, and general manager at Jessup Auto Plaza.

Fred Òthe HammerÓ Williamson, center, takes a photo with some of the participants in the Clubs for Kids Golf Tournament at Classic Club in Palm Desert, Calif., Dec. 13, 2023.
Fred Òthe HammerÓ Williamson, center, takes a photo with some of the participants in the Clubs for Kids Golf Tournament at Classic Club in Palm Desert, Calif., Dec. 13, 2023.

Established in 1948, the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs is currently the largest after-school program provider in the city. The club provides a fun, safe and constructive environment for kids and teens. The Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs is under the helm of Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director Margaret Keung. The organization's focus is to empower local children to excel in school, become good citizens and lead healthy, productive lives in order to become future leaders.

“At the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs, we believe that every child can be inspired to lead, to express themselves, to give and to share," Keung said. "We mold leaders and develop character.”

The nonprofit's vision is to provide a world-class club experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters its doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan, demonstrating good character and citizenship and living a healthy lifestyle. To enable all young people, especially those who are most in need, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

First place winners of the Clubs Fore Kids Charity Golf Tournament were Garrett Athan, Mark Williams, Cort Benner and Isaac Calderon.
First place winners of the Clubs Fore Kids Charity Golf Tournament were Garrett Athan, Mark Williams, Cort Benner and Isaac Calderon.

The Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs believes that every kid has what it takes. The mission and core beliefs of the organization fuel its commitment to promoting safe, positive and inclusive environments for all. Boys & Girls Clubs of America supports youth and teens of every race, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, ability, socio-economic status and religion in reaching their full potential.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs, visit bgcps.org.

Kathleen Bennett is the founder/principal of Resort Marketing, an award-winning company based in Palm Springs with the experience and expertise to assist in achieving the dreams and goals of each client. Since establishing her firm 27 years ago, Bennett consults in the fields of hospitality, business and nonprofit organizations. She is on the executive committee for the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars and still finds time to volunteer in the community.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Clubs Fore Kids tournament benefits Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs