Villa Esperanza Services 22nd Annual Tournament of Hope -
Esperanza Paradise
Fun Day of Golf benefiting children and adults with disabilities.
After 22 years Villa Esperanza Services Tournament of Hope continues to be a driving force supporting individuals with special needs. This year's event raised $140,000 to support programs for children and adults diagnosed with developmental disabilities such as autism and Down syndrome. The event, sponsored by Wells Fargo, was on Monday, September 29, 2009 at Glendora Country Club. There were 132 golfers and 200 dinner guests for an auction, cocktails and dinner. Jorge Jarrin, “Captain Jorge” of KABC’s Talk Radio and the Los Angeles Dodgers was the evening’s MC.
Chaired by Don Speakman, HCN Commercial Real Estate, Inc., the tournament featured a HELICOPTER GOLF BALL DROP, where the winner took home $3,370! Golfers enjoyed lunch on the course courtesy of Corner Bakery. Congratulations to the winners of this year’s tournament: First Place Men’s Team was Greg Forgatch, Matt Harwich, Mitch Lehman and Larry Pastre. First Place Mixed Foursome was Cynthia Davis, Kenneth Jackson, Jim Stone and Wes Stone. First Place Ladies Foursome was Patty Acuna, Anne Owen-Lara, Linda Reich and Audrey Sandoval.
Two presentations were made during dinner. One award was presented to Richard Byrd, Senior Executive Vice President of Bank of the West, for his commitment to Villa. Mr. Byrd served on Villa’s Board of Directors for seven years beginning in 2000. He is past Honorary Chairman of the Tournament of Hope and is still an active advocate for Villa as a member of the Community Council for Excellence. The second award was inspired by someone who gives of his time, energy, money and heart. It was created to recognize volunteers who stand out because of their tremendous impact on Villa. A surprised Robert Loebbecke was awarded the first ever Robert E. Loebbecke Volunteer Award for his 15 years on the golf committee and over 300 volunteer hours last year.
