CHUMASH CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC RAISES $135K FOR THREE LOCAL NONPROFITS
SANTA YNEZ, CA — November 2, 2023 — The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has announced that its annual Chumash Charity Golf Classic raised $135,000 this year, with proceeds split evenly among the Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter, Sansum Diabetes Research Institute in Santa Barbara and Savie Health in Lompoc.
The tribe’s annual tournament, which spans three days, was held September 19-21 at the River Course at the Alisal in Solvang.
“These three nonprofits provide vital health care services for the community and our tribe takes great pride in being able to support them through our annual Chumash Charity Golf Classic,” said Kenneth Kahn, Tribal Chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “Our golf tournament is also a chance for our business partners and fellow tribes to spend time together on the golf course, building lasting relationships for a worthy cause.”
Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter, which serves San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, will use these funds to deliver care in the form of support groups and education programs for local families.
“The Alzheimer's Association is grateful to have the support of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation,” said Lindsey Leonard, Executive Director for the Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter. “Their contribution supports the association’s important work of bringing equity and advocacy in dementia science.”
Sansum Diabetes Research Institute will use these funds to make a significant impact on its mission to improve the lives of people affected by all forms of diabetes.
“We are deeply honored and grateful to the Chumash Foundation for choosing Sansum Diabetes Research Institute as a beneficiary of the 2023 Chumash Charity Golf Classic,” said Kara Hornbuckle, Director of Development for Sansum Diabetes Research Institute. “Together, we can drive positive change and bring hope to countless individuals."
Savie Health, which offers no-charge health care to the uninsured population in Santa Barbara County and beyond, will use these funds to directly pay for patient care services.
“Savie Health is incredibly grateful to be a beneficiary of the 2023 Chumash Charity Golf Classic,” said Eryn Shugart, Executive Director for Savie Health. “In the long run, these funds will save the lives of a multitude of our fellow community members, some who are low income and uninsured, through the provision of the preventive care that the clinic provides."
Since its inaugural event in 2005, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ annual golf tournament has raised more than $2 million for local charities and nonprofits. Past beneficiaries have included Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Santa Barbara County, Lompoc Family YMCA, Unity Shoppe, Planned Parenthood, Good Samaritan Shelter, local schools, local museums and more.
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has donated more than $25 million to hundreds of groups, organizations and schools in the community and across the nation as part of the tribe’s long-standing tradition of giving. For more information and to access applications, please visit www.chumash.gov/foundation or call 805-688-7997