Desert Classic Charities Donates $800,000 to Local Charities

Desert Classic Charities, the nonprofit that organizes the Humana Challenge golf tournament, gave $800,000 Tuesday to Coachella Valley charities.

The tournament has raised money for local charities since 1960. Eisenhower Medical Center, the main beneficiary, got $200,000 from the tournament this year. Thirty-seven other nonprofits received donations in three categories -- structured programs for children; rehab, social and support services; and food and shelter, according to tournament organizers.

“It’s an honor for me and our staff to work hard all year in partnership with such a highly esteemed group of tournament partners and sponsors to achieve our charitable giving goals,” Humana Challenge CEO Bob Marra said. “In addition to the great support of the fans and our sponsors, we are grateful to the members and staff of PGA West and La Quinta Country Club who have allowed us to utilize their spectacular courses and facilities to produce a first-class tournament that enables us to give so much to local organizations.”

Those organizations included several Boys & Girls Clubs, the Coachella Valley Boxing Club, the Coachella Valley Education Foundation, Desert Arc, the Desert Cancer Foundation, Guide Dogs of the Desert, Pegasus Riding Academy, the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, Mizell Senior Center, Operation Safe House, Well in the Desert and Shelter from the Storm.

The 72-hole tournament, which is part of the PGA Tour, is Jan. 19-25 at PGA West and La Quinta Country Club.

Humana announced in September that it was ending its sponsorship of the tournament, formerly the Bob Hope Classic.

— By City News Service.

(Image via Shutterstock)