Southwestern Growers Help Boys, Girls Clubs

Southwestern Growers Presented 56th Golf Tournament Benefitting Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley

When one combines the words longevity, dedication, sponsorship, partnership, fundraiser, golf, hard work, and fun – you have the makings of something very special.  This has been the cornerstone of the Southwestern Growers Golf Tournament benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley for 56 years.

“The Southwestern Growers Golf Tournament is an integral part of Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley,” said President and CEO, Quinton Egson. “Our organization would not be the premier youth development agency in the valley without them.  The agriculture community has and continues to be one of our primary growth partners.  Thanks to all of those who sponsor this great event and congratulations to all of the winners representing various flights.  Our kids won because of their support.”

Annually, this generous team of prominent produce farmers presents a 4-day golf tournament for 144 golfers. This year’s title sponsor of the sold-out event at the Indian Wells Country Club was RDO Equipment Co.  Presenting sponsors were 29 Palms Band of Mission Indians and International Paper. Each day started with a breakfast, sponsored this year by the law firm, Buchalter, followed by 18 holes of golf, ending with lunch sponsored by the Aguirre Wilson Group at RBC Wealth Management and Shalhoub Family McDonald’s.  Sunday brought a day of finals concluded by lunch and awards presentation.

One of the many highlights of the long weekend was the Ducatte Derby won by John Powell, Jr. of Peter Rabbit Farms, and Ryan Wilson of Aguirre Wilson Group RBC Wealth Management. “This event is very prestigious with some fierce competitors dropping out as each hole was played,” said both men in a joint statement. “We are humbled to have our names permanently etched on the perpetual trophy.”  The Powell Family have been supporters of Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley for several years.

Mike Walton of Pacific/Sotheby’s and this year’s tournament chairperson, Matt Jiggins of Kelley Jiggins & Associates won the Championship Flight for the second consecutive year.  Ellen and Mike Way of Prime Time International, the valley’s largest bell pepper wholesaler, won the reverse car drawing sponsored by Jessup Auto Plaza.  Because of their bigheartedness to Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley for better than 20 years, the Ways have helped thousands of children.

“As far as Ellen and I winning the Corvette – it caps off 30 years of playing in the best charity golf tournament in the Coachella Valley,” said Mike Way.  “We have a great committee of people dedicated to putting on this tournament and raising as much money as possible for the youth of the valley.  The tournament has evolved and stayed relevant in this new world.  Our partnership with Boys & Girls Club remains to be the driving force behind the success of the Southwestern.  Ellen and I both believe the programs Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley offer are key to making communities better.  We need to continue to raise money to keep these programs going.  This tournament will continue to support the clubs for the next 30 years.”

For more info about Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley click here or call 760-836-1160.