ORANGE, Calif., Aug. 29, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- More than 100 golfers and guests participated in the 27th Annual Par Fore Kids Golf Classic this month, raising funds and awareness to benefit programs of the recently merged Kinship Center and Canyon Acres. The combined nonprofit will use the funds to enhance signature programs and expand services to meet the profound needs of children in Orange County with the scars of past abuse and trauma.
"Canyon Acres and Kinship Center are incredibly grateful to the attendees, staff and volunteers who helped make this year's event a success," said Allison Maxon, Division Director for Southern California. "The results of their efforts will go a long way to support vital programs that provide long-term hope, care and love to Orange County's most vulnerable children."
This year's event took place Monday August 13 at the exclusive Yorba Linda Country Club, making it the first joint fundraising event since the two organizations came together earlier this year under Kinship Center's administration. Golfers enjoyed 18 holes of championship golf and event highlights included a special golf clinic by PGA pro Esteban Toledo, a moving testimonial by adoptive parents Paul and Tammy LeTourneau, and a special appearance by the Angels Strike Force – in addition to unique tee prizes, contest holes, a live auction, and a hole-in-one contest sponsored by Crevier BMW.
Event sponsors included PBS SoCal, Landsberg/Amcor, Foundation Real Estate Advisors Inc., A. Gary Anderson Family Foundation and Yard House.
"It is so impressive and gratifying to see this group of people come together, ready to meet the needs of the children and young adults in our community," said Jeff Lerch, Event Chair and Leadership Board Member. "The Par Fore Kids Golf Classic has become one of the most popular and enjoyable fundraisers in the area, and we are extremely thankful to have the support of so many prominent community members."
About Canyon Acres and Kinship Center
Canyon Acres has been serving children throughout Southern California since 1980, providing the highest level of care and therapeutic treatment to children who suffer from a variety of emotional and psychological disorders. Since 1984 Kinship Center has helped build and strengthen families for thousands of children through family-centered education, training, and tools for success in dealing with the complex issues surrounding adoption, foster care, and kinship care.
For more information, please visit www.kinshipcenter.org.