Kiwanis Benicia Golf Tournament Nets More Than $20,000 for Local Youth Programs

As the Kiwanis Club of Benicia celebrates its 100th anniversary of service this year, members marked another milestone by netting more than $20,000 during the club’s annual fundraising golf tournament on Thursday, June 18, at Eagle Vines Golf Club in American Canyon. Held at the picturesque vineyard course for the second consecutive year, the event welcomed 86 golfers for a day of friendly competition, camaraderie, and community giving.

Golfers enjoyed perfect playing conditions, with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70s creating an ideal day on the links. Participants took in sweeping vineyard views while competing in putting and longest-drive contests, trying their luck in raffles, and finishing the day with a hearty barbecue lunch featuring ribs and chicken.

The tournament champions were the team of David Moore, Bruce Zimmer, Luke Hussung, and JT Navarro, who earned first-place honors after an outstanding round of golf.

The Kiwanis Club extends its sincere appreciation to its generous sponsors whose support made the event possible. Special recognition goes to Platinum Sponsor Lee’s Sheet Metal of Vallejo and Gold Sponsors Meade Family Dental, Republic Services, George and Corrine Oakes, and Robin Silver.

The club also thanks the many volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to the tournament, including members of the Benicia High School Key Club, Kiwanis Division 8 volunteers, the Benicia High School volleyball team, and the many members of Kiwanis Benicia who worked together to ensure a successful event.

“The tremendous support from golfers, sponsors, and volunteers demonstrates how much our community values helping local youth,” said Kiwanis President Gretchen Burgess. “Every dollar raised helps us provide scholarships and programs that benefit children throughout Benicia.”

Proceeds from the tournament support Kiwanis Benicia’s many community service projects. This year alone, the club has provided $20,000 in scholarships and awards to graduating Benicia seniors, is offering summer math and reading tutoring for elementary school students, and donates 300 books to local third-grade students at the end of each school year to encourage reading throughout the summer. Club members also purchase, prepare, and serve more than 200 meals each month at St. Paul’s Church, support the placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the community, and carry out numerous additional projects that benefit children and families in Benicia.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. As Kiwanis Benicia begins its second century of service, the success of this year’s golf tournament reflects the generosity of a community committed to investing in its young people and strengthening the place they call home.