Chumash Golf Classic to Benefit Youth Organizations : Gildred YMCA in Santa Ynez, United

Chumash Golf Classic to benefit youth organizations : Gildred YMCA in Santa Ynez, United Boys and Girls Clubs of S.B. County chosen as recipients

NORA K. WALLACE, NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER March 12, 2010 6:46 AM

The Stuart C. Gildred YMCA in Santa Ynez and the United Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County have been named recipients of the proceeds from the upcoming 2010 Chumash Golf Classic.

The golf event will take place on Aug. 12 at the Alisal River Course in Solvang. It is sponsored annually by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation.

"Beneficiaries for the Chumash Golf Classic are chosen by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation council, with special consideration given to organizations that meet criteria in a variety of categories including community programs, service area and organizational needs," according to organizers.

Past beneficiaries have included People Helping People, Arts Outreach and Unity Shoppe of Santa Barbara.

The Stuart C. Gildred YMCA is in the midst of a "Building Better Lives0xc9today and tomorrow" capital campaign. It hopes to add a teen activity center, multi-purpose gymnasium and expand healthy lifestyle programs. The facility, located on Highway 246 and Refugio Road, is raising $4 million to expand its decade-old center. Last year, the Gildred YMCA received $84,800 from golf classic donations. Arts Outreach, an education arts organization, received $21,200.

The other recipient for this year is the the United Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County, which includes Carpinteria, Camp Whittier, Santa Barbara, Goleta and Lompoc clubs.

"The United Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County couldn't be more pleased with the partnership on this year's Chumash Golf Classic," said Michael Rattray, CEO/CPO for the clubs. "The Foundation has been a long time friend of our mission and their commitment of investing in our new Learning Care Centers for closing the achievement gap for those less fortunate is making a difference throughout our county."

Tribal Chairman Vincent Armenta said it's the sixth year the tribe has hosted the golf classic.

"The ability to raise funds for local needy charities through the Chumash Golf Classic has been a tremendous experience," Mr. Armenta said.