Golf Tournament To Raise Money For Organizations

By Kelly Garrison
Features Editor

A day of golfing, dining and awards next month will benefit several area charities and help usher in another year of professional motor racing in Long Beach.

The annual Toyota Grand Prix Charity Golf Tournament will take place at the Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach on Monday, April 14. Individuals and corporations that participate will have the opportunity to compete amongst one another while raising money for charitable organizations, said Rick DuRee, Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach president.

“We try to take our tournament one step beyond in that we provide a lot for the players,” he said. “We do a full day. They get a lot of bang for their buck.”

The tournament involves teams of four amateur players, each of whom compete in a scramble format. Professionals from the Toyota golf staff will take swings alongside participants during the event.

Golfers will be treated to cuisine from several Long Beach restaurants while on the course. Later, the foundation will host a cocktail reception, silent auction and awards banquet.

Auction items and prizes for contests that day include a 2008 Toyota (for a hole in one), vacation packages and more. DuRee said he expects about 130 guests to participate that day.

Since its inception, the foundation has donated about $2 million to area charities through its events. Last year, $164,000 was donated to charity. Beneficiaries this year include Miller Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, the Long Beach Area Special Olympics and the Aquarium of the Pacific.

The foundation raises money through its “Charity Days” events around the time of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Its other events include a black-tie gala as well as a cruise around city’s harbor.

The nonprofit was incorporated in conjunction with the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach in January of 1991 as a way to raise funds for charities. The annual race attracts crowds in excess of 175,000 people.

“The foundation was started to promote the Long Beach Grand Prix, and in doing so, we organize events prior for people during its off-hours — it raises money through events to give back to local charities,” DuRee said.

Its annual scholarship program gives out $1,000 grants each year to seven graduating high school seniors in Long Beach. The foundation also donates tickets to Grand Prix events.

Registration for the tournament costs $300 per person and $1,200 per four-person team. Admission includes golfing contests and events that day along with driving range access, tournament apparel, an electric cart rental and opportunities to win prizes.

The tournament will start with a continental breakfast at 9 a.m., followed by a Shotgun Start at 11 a.m., on Monday, April 14, at the Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach, 3901 Lampson Ave., in Seal Beach.

To register for the Toyota Grand Prix Foundation Charity Golf Tournament, call 498-7906 or 490-4509. For race details, go to www.gplb.com.