NEWS/PRESS
NEWS/PRESS

Soboba Tees Off for Charities

◆ By Mike Hiles

Soboba Foundation’s eighth annual Charity Golf Tournament is being planned for March 31 and April 1 and the group’s members are seeking potential beneficiaries. Ten organizations will be chosen from a typically large field of worthy applicants and will receive $10,000 each.

To be eligible, the nonprofit must be located within the San Jacinto Valley. Applications can be requested and submitted by Feb. 1 through Soboba Foundation Sponsorship Coordinator Andrew Vallejos. After careful review by the foundation board, 10 organizations will be designated as beneficiaries of this year’s tournament.

All entrants will be notified in writing of the board’s decision and all chosen organizations will be required to promote the tournament in addition to providing volunteers for both days of the event.

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Tribal Council Vice Chairman and Tournament Director Isaiah Vivanco said the generosity and support of sponsors and partners for this much-anticipated annual event allows the Soboba Foundation to continue assisting those in need in the surrounding communities.

Over the past seven years, the Soboba Foundation Charity Golf Tournament has contributed more than $1 million in support of many local nonprofit organizations throughout Indian Country and Southern California.

The two-day tournament will allow for a maximum of 40 teams per day and availability for each day will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will also receive a reduced room rate opportunity at the Soboba Casino Resort hotel to allow for all guests to enjoy the entirety of the course, the festivities that follow a day on the beautiful Soboba Springs Golf Course and all that the Soboba Casino Resort has to offer.

Sponsorship packages at different levels will provide each player with exciting gifts and giveaways, along with memorable raffle opportunities and an exciting round of golf. The grand prize is a home appliance makeover valued at more than $7,500.

Soboba Foundation President Geneva Mojado credits strong teamwork and excellent organization as the reasons behind the tournament's continued popularity and success.

“With the terrific amount of support we receive from our business partners and colleagues, we are able to provide local nonprofits with funding for some much-needed projects,” she said. “Additional funds raised from the event go on to support other organizations, events and students throughout the remainder of the year.”

Andrew Vallejos can be reached at avallejos@soboba-nsn.gov or 951-654-2765 extension 4112.

Photos golf 1 and golf 2 are courtesy of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Photos golf 3 and golf 4 are courtesy of Michael Leone Photography Caption for golf 1: Last year’s charity golf tournament saw two full days of fun for players and volunteers as Soboba Foundation members got ready to tee off. From left, Geneva Mojado, Monica Herrera, Isaiah Vivanco, Scott Cozart, Dondi Silvas, Michelle Modesto and Jacob Briones. Caption for golf 2: Hundreds of golfers enjoyed a day on the links at Soboba Springs Country Club during last year’s two-day charity golf tournament. Caption for golf 3: Soboba Foundation members with a representative from Native Challenge, a Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health program, that was one of the worthy recipients at last year’s Soboba Foundation Charity Golf Tournament. Caption for golf 4: Dean Wetter, second from right, was grateful to receive $10,000 on behalf of the Friends of Valley-Wide Foundation, one of 10 nonprofits that benefited from the Soboba Foundation Charity Golf Tournament in 2019.
Last year’s charity golf tournament saw two full days of fun for players and volunteers as Soboba Foundation members got ready to tee off. From left, Geneva Mojado, Monica Herrera, Isaiah Vivanco, Scott Cozart, Dondi Silvas, Michelle Modesto and Jacob Briones. Photo courtesy of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians.

Last year’s charity golf tournament saw two full days of fun for players and volunteers as Soboba Foundation members got ready to tee off. From left, Geneva Mojado, Monica Herrera, Isaiah Vivanco, Scott Cozart, Dondi Silvas, Michelle Modesto and Jacob Briones. Photo courtesy of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians.

Hundreds of golfers enjoyed a day on the links at Soboba Springs Country Club during last year’s two-day charity golf tournament. Photo courtesy of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians.

Hundreds of golfers enjoyed a day on the links at Soboba Springs Country Club during last year’s two-day charity golf tournament. Photo courtesy of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians.

Soboba Foundation members with a representative from Native Challenge, a Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health program, that was one of the worthy recipients at last year’s Soboba Foundation Charity Golf Tournament. Photo courtesy of Michael Leone Photography.

Soboba Foundation members with a representative from Native Challenge, a Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health program, that was one of the worthy recipients at last year’s Soboba Foundation Charity Golf Tournament. Photo courtesy of Michael Leone Photography.

Dean Wetter, second from right, was grateful to receive $10,000 on behalf of the Friends of Valley-Wide Foundation, one of 10 nonprofits that benefited from the Soboba Foundation Charity Golf Tournament in 2019. Photo courtesy of Michael Leone Photography.

Dean Wetter, second from right, was grateful to receive $10,000 on behalf of the Friends of Valley-Wide Foundation, one of 10 nonprofits that benefited from the Soboba Foundation Charity Golf Tournament in 2019. Photo courtesy of Michael Leone Photography.