Freedom Dogs 8th Annual Golf Tournament
Freedom Dogs 8th Annual Golf Tournament was held on March 1, 2021 at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club and was its most successful event yet despite changes due to Covid distancing protocols!
The event was chaired by Lori Walton and supported by all members of Freedom Dogs’ Board of Directors and a wonderful team of volunteers. As players arrived, they were greeted by dogs in training and treated to coffee and Krispy Kreme donuts. The tournament proceeded with a shotgun start at 12 noon with 136 golfers participating in the event, including several of our wounded warriors – former marines who have benefited from Freedom Dogs’ programs. Participants were treated to a box lunch catered by Dinners by David, and as golfers finished their rounds, they enjoyed a variety of freshly made pizzas served hot out of the oven from the Dang Brother Pizza truck. Because the auction was all conducted online, Freedom Dogs was able to reach more people than ever thanks to LiveSource online auction platform.
Tournament winners included the foursome of Dale Yahnke, Mark Wernig, Hank Bauer and Clint Wansa. Coming in second were Bill Geppert, Brent Hillier, Herb Weber and Mr. Ryusei, and third was the foursome of Grant Dugger, Jim Greenway, Steve Neal and Christian Webb. Trophies were also awarded for closest to the pin, putting contest, longest drive, and most honest golfers.
Even the dogs got into the action by practicing their training exercises, tagging along in golf carts out on the course, and being shown lots of love by tournament participants and guests.
Freedom Dogs is a non-profit charity providing support services to assist returning wounded warriors who are suffering from PTSD and/or traumatic brain injury. Freedom Dogs is accredited by Assistance Dogs International, and its programs are offered free of charge due to the generosity of charitable contributions as well as proceeds from its annual golf tournament.
Special thanks to Fairbanks Ranch Country Club and all our corporate sponsors including Dowling & Yahnke, Trilogy Investment Group, The Fish Market, Waxie Sanitary Supply, Balboa Thrift and Loan, Morgan Stanley, Procopio, Sycuan Casino, Karl Strauss Breweries, White Construction, Whillock Contracting, Dogleg Brewing Company, Westar Associates, and Azuñia Tequila. Individual sponsors include John Steele, Lynda & Rich Kerr, Kris & Mike Burns, Gail & Tom Duffy, Joe McNally & Anne Perry, Amy & Bill Geppert, William & Margie Strauss, Vicky & Cliff Svoboda, Janice & Andy Hill, Michael & Kristeen Burns, Anita & Phil Patterson, Ryan McAweeney, LeAnn & Kevin Buchanan, and Krissy & Cooper Patterson. We are so grateful for the support of the tournament participants, financial sponsors and auction item donors. Freedom Dogs relies on charitable contributions to provide its services and would not be able to help our wounded warriors recover without you.
