TUSTIN, Calif., July 19, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Make-A-Wish Foundation(r) of Orange County and the Inland Empire, the recently merged 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, today announced it received $10,000 as the beneficiary of the funds raised by the 2nd Annual Wishes For Children Classic Golf Tournament, presented by Lexus of Riverside, on June 27, 2005. The first hole-in-one contest winner in tournament history added to the excitement at the event which was held at the Temecula Creek Golf Course.
According to Donna Mogilski, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Orange County and the Inland Empire Director of Development, the proceeds raised through the efforts of the Wishes for Children Classic Golf Tournament and Lexus of Riverside helped to sponsor a special child's wish to have his very own backyard tree house. "The delight in these children's faces when a wish has been granted is a joyful experience for everyone involved. We extend our sincere appreciation to Charles Pate, Lexus of Riverside and all the folks who have helped to fulfill this special wish. Together we make dreams come true."
Bill Unkel, from Pennsylvania, was the first winner of the hole-in-one contest in tournament history earning him a brand new Lexus from Lexus of Riverside. Unkel, who scored the hole-in-one on the designated Par 3, participated in the Wishes for Children Classic Golf Tournament to show his appreciation to the Foundation whose Sacramento Chapter granted the wish of his best friend's son.
"Lexus of Riverside had been a proud sponsor of charity golf events for 25 years and this is the first time we've had a hole-in-one winner," said Dan Davidson, Owner/General Manager of Lexus of Riverside, the tournament's title sponsor. "But what is most exciting for us is the fact that we get the opportunity to help support the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the special children they serve!"
In addition to winning the car, Unkel continued his winning streak as the winning live auction bidder for the 2005 Lexus Champions for Charity National Championship Golf Experience. The National Championship tournament, which takes place December 8, 2005, at Pebble Beach Resorts in Southern California, is comprised of winning bidders from charity fundraisers sponsored by Lexus across the country. Unkel also won his bid for an original oil painting by artist Joy McGugan depicting the Stonehouse No. 9 hole at Temecula Creek.
"We all have or have had dreams or wishes, whether to be a doctor, a lawyer, or maybe to visit tropical waters," shared Charles Pate, Wishes for Children Classic Golf Tournament chairperson. "Every day, somewhere in the world a child's wish comes true thanks to the generosity of individuals and communities who support Make-A-Wish Foundation. We thank Bill Unkel, Lexus of Riverside, as well as Temecula and Southern Californian businesses and residents for having joined us for this worthy golf experience."
About Make-A-Wish Foundation(r) of Orange County and the Inland Empire Make-A-Wish Foundation(r) grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. Born in 1980 when a group of caring individuals helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is now the largest wish-granting charity in the world, with 74 chapters in the U.S. and its territories and 28 international affiliates on five continents. In 2005, the national organization celebrates "25 Years Making Dreams Come True."
Locally, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Orange County and the Inland Empire has granted over 2,500 wonderful wishes to children in Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. To refer a child, or to learn how you can help, visit the organization's Web site at: www.wishocie.org. Phone: (714) 573-WISH (9474). E-mail: orangeco@wishocie.org.