Golfing for a Good Cause

A day devoted to hitting the links proved to be both enjoyable and meaningful for participants in Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services’ 2014 “Shot-at-a-Million” Golf Classic who raised $100,000 for children and families in need. Proceeds from the annual event, which was held on May 16 at the Jack Nicklaus designed Angeles National Golf Club in Sunland, will help fund therapeutic and other support services for the thousands of youngsters and families served by Hathaway-Sycamores, one of Los Angeles County’s largest, nonprofit, private children’s mental-health and welfare agencies.

Close to 200 people took part in this year’s event, including golfers who raised money by teeing off at 7:30 a.m. for the “Longest Day of Golf” or taking part in the afternoon “9-Hole Team Challenge.” 10 golfers qualified to take a swing at a hole-in-one and walk away one- million-dollars richer, but no one made the improbable, 165-yard shot. The event concluded with a “19th Hole After-Party” on the Club’s picturesque back patio overlooking the 18th green. In addition to catered refreshments and a silent auction, numerous prizes were raffled, including a seven-night stay and airfare for two at the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, as well as a three-night stay – along with airfare for two – at the Hilton New York Hotel.

Guests additionally had the opportunity to hear from 25-year-old Wayne Jackson, who grew up in foster care, until being emancipated just prior to turning 18. With no home to call his own, Jackson was referred to Hathaway-Sycamores’ Transitional Independent Living Program (TILP) which provides emancipated foster youth with housing and helps them acquire the skills needed to live independently. Jackson spent a year and a half in TILP and mastered enough life skills to move across the country and attend Howard University. After graduation, he returned to Los Angeles armed with a degree and the desire to help others who, like himself, had to overcome significant life challenges. Jackson was given the opportunity to do just that when he returned to TILP, not as a program participant, but as a paid employee. Jackson currently serves as a Youth Advocate, and strongly feels that he “can help change people’s lives. Seeing the kids grow is one of the best rewards I get from my job.”

Also on-hand was former Dodger outfielder Jay Johnstone, who along with board member Ken Goldstein, announced the Hathaway-Sycamores Celebrating Children event, slated for September 16 at Dodger Stadium. The 2014 event will be honoring longtime Hathaway-Sycamores supporters Annsley and George Strong.

In closing, Hathaway-Sycamores’ President and CEO William Martone thanked everyone in attendance for their generous support of Hathaway-Sycamores and for helping struggling children and teens receive the healing care they need to rebuild their lives.