Giving Back

The Eighth Annual Columbus Day Drive Raises Funds for the Special Olympics Orange County

San Juan Capistrano, CA (April 11, 2011) – Orange County’s Eighth Annual Columbus Day Drive for Special Olympics has been set for Monday, October 10, 2011

The eighth annual golf tournament and fundraiser, exclusively benefiting Special Olympics Orange County, will again be held at the prestigious Marbella Country Club in San Juan Capistrano. Golfers will play a shotgun format, followed by dinner with live and silent auctions to raise much-needed funds to support Special Olympics Orange County.

Since the tournament’s inception, a record $352,000 has been raised to support the greatest needs of Special Olympics Orange County, which include year-round training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. An estimated 2,400 athletes in the Orange County region train and compete annually.

According to Tournament Chair Steve Walters, a variety of sponsorship opportunities are available.
• Prices for sponsorship range from an affordable $200 to $25,000.
• Contributions can also be made in the form of merchandise or underwriting the event’s lunch, dinner or golf carts.

Pricing for the Eighth Annual Columbus Day Drive for Special Olympics is $250 per participant and includes lunch, dinner, green fees, cart, tee prizes and the driving range. Pricing for the benefit dinner is $50 per guest. For sponsorship and event information, visit the Columbus Day Drive online at https://www.columbusdaydrive.com.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS 7TH ANNUAL COLUMBUS DAY DRIVE SET FOR OCTOBER 11

San Juan Capistrano, CA (July 2010) – Tee it up for Special Olympics and share a life-changing opportunity in the Orange County community at the 7th Annual Columbus Day Drive Golf Tournament. The tournament, dinner, and auction will be held on Monday, October 11, 2010, at Marbella Country Club in San Juan Capistrano.

Since this tournament’s inception, a record $300,000 has been raised to support the greatest needs of Special Olympics Orange County, which includes year-round training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports. The Orange County region serves over 2,400 athletes with intellectual disabilities, ranging in age from 8 to 80. The lessons taught to Special Olympics athletes reach far beyond the playing field- inspiring pride, generating a sense of belonging, improving physical fitness, increasing self-confidence, developing a more positive self-image, creating lasting friendships and strengthening family and community ties.

The Columbus Day Drive makes a measurable difference every year as Tournament Chair Steve Walters explains, “The value of these remarkable athletes can be measured by their spirited competition and their contributions to our community. Whether a sponsor, golfer or volunteer of the Columbus Day Drive, each is making a lasting impact on the futures of such gifted athletes.”

Partnering with such a global cause at the Orange County level offers timely opportunities for sponsors to enhance their brand image, heighten customer loyalty and improve employee pride, while making a difference in the lives of many deserving athletes. Contributions can also be made in the form of merchandise or underwriting the event’s lunch or dinner. For sponsorship details, contact Tournament Chair Steve Walters at SWMeridian@pacbell.net or visit ColumbusDayDrive.com for more information.

To reserve your place at the 7th Annual Columbus Day Drive for Special Olympics, register online at ColumbusDayDrive.com.

Teamwork Overcomes Challenges – More Than $40,000 Raised for Special Olympics

Mission Viejo, CA (October 24, 2008) – Evidence that teamwork can overcome challenges for a truly special cause, the Fifth Annual Columbus Day Drive for Special Olympics recently raised more than $40,000 in net profits, as volunteers and supporters joined in the local fundraising event at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo.

According to Tournament Chair Steve Walters, president of Meridian Real Estate Group, “Support for this world-renowned organization at the Orange County level has soared to new heights, despite today’s economic pressures. We are gratified that the enthusiasm and commitment of such an exceptional group of athletes have been met with an equally enthusiastic response from the local community and all of our dedicated sponsors.”

Such well-respected partners as Gold Sponsors: Northwestern Mutual Life, Pharmavite LLC, Titus Properties/Deck B Investments and Nancy and Rich Swanson; Silver Sponsors: Cox Communications, Dubia, Erickson and Tenerelli, Honda Center, Meridian Real Estate Group, Santa Catalina Island Company and Southern Wine & Spirits; Bronze Sponsors: FPF Wholesale and MetLife Home Loans; and Cart Sponsor Goodwill of Orange County, pledged their valued support as supporters of this remarkable event. In addition, Montage Laguna Beach Resort & Spa donated a two-night/three day package to this worthwhile cause.

Since the tournament’s inception in 2004, a record $250,000 has been raised to address the greatest needs of Special Olympics Orange County, which include year-round training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports. An estimated 12,500 athletes in 11 Southern California counties extending from San Luis Obispo to Mexico’s border train and compete annually.

Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides children and adults with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with other athletes, their families and the community. Visit Special Olympics Southern California at www.sosc.org for more information.

To make a difference at the 2009 Columbus Day Drive for Special Olympics, contact Steve Walters at (949) 249-1280 or visit ColumbusDayDrive.com for more information.

Local Support For Special Olympics Grows As Columbus Day Drive Nears

Mission Viejo, CA (September 29, 2008) – Despite challenging economic times, support for Special Olympics athletes continues to gain momentum in Orange County. Contributing to the awareness of such special athletes is the Fifth Annual Columbus Day Drive Golf Tournament taking place Monday, October 13, at the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo.

According to Tournament Chair Steve Walters, “We’re encouraged by the number of participants supporting such a great cause. Foursomes are selling quickly, so those interested in playing or sponsoring are encouraged to act quickly.”

Recognizing the value of strategic philanthropy are sponsors that have committed to making a difference. They include Gold level supporters Deck B Investments, Northwestern Mutual Life, Pharmavite LLC and Rich and Nancy Swanson. Silver level sponsors feature Cox Communications, Dubia, Erickson and Tenerelli, FPF Wholesale, Honda Center and Meridian Real Estate Group, joined by Bronze sponsor Met Life Home Loans and Cart Sponsor Goodwill of Orange County.

In exchange for broad public awareness, business leaders still have time to select from a range of sponsorship levels, which include: $1,500 (Bronze), $2,500 (Silver), $5,000 (Gold), $10,000 (Platinum), and $25,000 (Exclusive). Contributions can also be made in the form of merchandise or underwriting the event’s lunch or dinner. For sponsorship details, contact Steve Walters at SWMeridian@pacbell.net or visit ColumbusDayDrive.com for more information.

Partnering with such a global cause at the local Orange County level offers timely opportunities for sponsors to increase sales, enhance their brand image, heighten customer loyalty and improve employee pride, while making a difference in the lives of many deserving athletes.

Since the tournament’s inception, a record $210,000 has been raised to address the greatest needs of Special Olympics Orange County, which include year-round training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports. An estimated 12,500 athletes in 11 Southern California counties extending from San Luis Obispo to Mexico’s border train and compete annually.

Pricing for the Fifth Annual Columbus Day Drive for Special Olympics is $250 per participant and includes lunch, dinner, green fees, cart, tee prizes and the driving range. Pricing for the benefit dinner is $50 per guest. To reserve your place at the Fifth Annual Columbus Day Drive for Special Olympics, register online at ColumbusDayDrive.com.

5^th Annual Columbus Day Drive Garners Support From Local Partners

Mission Viejo, CA (August 27, 2008) – Reflecting an accountability and commitment to the Orange County community, Special Olympics Southern California is quickly garnering support from local partners for its Fifth Annual Columbus Day Drive Golf Tournament. Recognizing the value of strategic philanthropy and the partnerships that develop from social alliances are sponsors that have committed early to make a difference. They include: Northwestern Mutual Life, Pharmavite LLC, Nancy and Rich Swanson, First American Title and Goodwill of Orange County.

In exchange for broad public awareness, business leaders can select from a range of sponsorship levels, which include: $1,500 (Bronze), $2,500 (Silver), $5,000 (Gold), $10,000 (Platinum), and $25,000 (Exclusive).

This first-of-its-kind golf event, now in its fifth successful year, will take place Monday, October 13, at the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, according to Tournament Chair Steve Walters, president of Meridian Real Estate Group.

Explains Walters, “Support of this world renowned organization at the Orange County level presents a truly unique opportunity to witness the accomplishments of such an exceptional group of athletes. We encourage local enterprise to involve itself through participation and sponsorship. Due to the success of our past tournaments and benefit dinner, tickets to this year’s event are selling quicker than anticipated. Don’t miss your chance to tee it up, and meet others who share your insight and compassion for this worthy organization.”

According to Walters, a variety of sponsorship opportunities remain available and range from an affordable $200 to $25,000. Contributions can also be made in the form of merchandise or underwriting the event’s lunch, dinner or golf carts. For sponsorship details, contact Steve Walters at SWMeridian@pacbell.net or visit ColumbusDayDrive.com for more information.

Date Set For a “Special” Cause

Mission Viejo, CA – Orange County’s Fifth Annual Columbus Day Drive for Special Olympics has been set for Monday, October 13, 2008, according to an announcement by Tournament Chair Steve Walters, president of Meridian Real Estate Group.

The fifth annual golf tournament and fundraiser, exclusively benefiting Special Olympics Orange County, will be held for the first time at the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo. At the conclusion of lunch and a putting contest, golfers will play a shotgun format, followed by dinner with live and silent auctions to raise much-needed funds to support Special Olympics Orange County.

Since the tournament’s inception, a record $210,000 has been raised to support the greatest needs of Special Olympics Orange County, which include year-round training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. An estimated 12,500 athletes in 11 counties extending north to San Luis Obispo to Mexico’s border south train and compete annually.

Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with other athletes, their families and the community. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics. Visit Special Olympics Southern California at www.sosc.org.

Pricing for the Fifth Annual Columbus Day Drive for Special Olympics is $250 per participant and includes lunch, dinner, green fees, cart, tee prizes and the driving range. Pricing for the benefit dinner only is $50 per guest. To reserve your place at the Fifth Annual Columbus Day Drive for Special Olympics, contact Special Olympics at 714-564-8374.