Morongo Casino expands golf tournament

7 May 2007

CABAZON, California – (PRESS RELEASE) -- The Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa (MCRS) 11th Annual Golf Tournament will be the largest in its decade-long history and organizers are expanding the event to support four regional charitable organizations. This year's tournament will benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Loma Linda, the National Military Family Association, the Trinity Children's Foundation at Whitewater Junior/Senior High, and the Esperanza Firefighters Assistance Fund.

"This tournament is a special way for Morongo to work in partnership with our regional businesses to benefit local charities," said Robert Martin, Morongo tribal chairman. "It's an example of the tribe's dedication to our neighbors, businesses, and community non-profits."

Taking place on June 15th at the PGA of Southern California Golf Club in Beaumont, California, the event will bring together nearly 300 avid golfers and charity supporters for a day in the sun. Last year's event raised $70,000.

"This annual tournament has been an outstanding community event for over a decade," said Joe Basara, tournament chairman. "Through this tournament we are pleased to give people a fun and creative way to support their local communities."

In the past, the tournament has benefited two organizations each year including the American Diabetes Association, the National Indian Child Welfare Association, and CASA -- Court Appointed Special Advocates. Each year, the recipient organizations have both received between $20,000 and $40,000. That success has led to this year's ambitious fundraising goals.

Heather Tamulonis, tournament coordinator, stated, "We're doubling the number of recipient groups this year. It's a great opportunity for the casino to give back and say thank you to the community."

The Ronald McDonald House in Loma Linda offers a safe haven for families of children undergoing treatment for cancer and other serious illnesses. The National Military Family Association is devoted to improving the quality of military family life. The Trinity Children's Foundation at Whitewater Junior/Senior High prepares boys, ages 12-18, to be productive citizens in the workforce of the future. The Esperanza Firefighter Fund aids the families of the five firefighters who lost their lives in the 2006 Esperanza Fire near Palm Springs.

The PGA of Southern California Golf Club features 36 holes set among woodlands, streams and mountains. The course's natural beauty is combined with world-class architecture to create a first-class golfing experience. The club has hosted both professional tours and beginner instruction programs.

The MCRS golf tournament will also feature a banquet and evening of entertainment, held at the Morongo Casino. The banquet will announce tournament winners and recognize tournament sponsorships and donations.

"We want our participants to enjoy a full weekend of activities in addition to golfing, and we're happy to donate the capabilities of Morongo's award-winning facilities and resources like food and entertainment to the cause," added Basara.

Also new this year is the addition of proceeds from players' cards into the charitable fund. Each tournament participant will receive a player's card for the weekend, and their play at the Morongo Casino will be tracked and donated to the four recipient organizations.

"We are so glad to have this additional avenue for the charities to benefit from the overall tournament weekend event," explained Basara.

Participation and sponsorship for the tournament is available at several levels. The Titanium Sponsorship costs $5,000 and includes corporate signage on the course, and a special tournament competition within the tournament. The Tent Sponsorship costs $2,000 and allows the sponsor to place a tent with signage and distribute goodies at a course tee. The Tee Sponsorship costs $1,000 and includes signage on the course. An individual sponsorship is available for $350. All sponsorships include the golf tee package and the awards dinner for the players.