Among the volunteers at the 14th Annual ABHOW Foundation Golf Classic Oct. 11, one of those most significantly vested in the outcome was Kenetta Jackson.
“I love the golf tournament because it’s one of the fundraisers where I know for a fact that the money that is received will go where it’s intended — the affordable housing communities,” says Jackson, the administrator of E.E. Cleveland Manor, an ABHOW affordable housing community in Oakland, Calif. “I feel very strongly about it. I tell everyone who donates that I guarantee the proceeds will benefit a good organization.”
Since 1997, the Golf Classic has raised more than $1 million to support ABHOW’s affordable housing retirement communities, which use the funds to purchase such equipment as paratransit buses and sound systems and to add new programs like lunch and activities — all to improve the quality of life for residents.
Once again, Round Hill Country Club in Alamo, Calif., served as host for the scramble-format tournament. Players departed the links at the end of the day to enjoy a spectacular evening of the club’s hospitality in view of Mt. Diablo State Park.
Jackson helped set up the live and silent auctions held during the evening’s events, and she teamed up with other communities to create an Oakland Raiders-themed auction prize package consisting of game tickets, a backpack and team golf tees.
Golfing prizes went to men’s, women’s and mixed teams, with individual prizes in distance, accuracy and skill challenges. Along with golf and dinner, the event offered non-golfers a day of pampering from the Claremont Hotel Club & Spa in nearby Berkeley.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to support both affordable housing and the ABHOW Foundation while at the same time enjoying a decadent afternoon with colleagues,” says Tara McGuinness, ABHOW’s vice president and regional operations manager who opted for two massages and a pedicure in lieu of golfing.
Overall, 180 people participated in this year’s Golf Classic, helping to raise a total $140,125.
“We continue to be thankful for all the sponsors, participants and ABHOW team members who make the Golf Classic such a fantastic event,” says ABHOW Foundation President Joe Anderson. “It’s important to remember, though, that the real winners are the residents of the ABHOW affordable housing communities who will benefit from the generosity of everyone involved in this year’s event.”
About ABHOW:
Founded in 1949, ABHOW is widely known for its pioneering leadership in senior housing and health care. The company serves more than 5,000 residents in 37 retirement communities in California, Arizona, Nevada and Washington.
To learn more about ABHOW visit www.abhow.com.
This article appeared in the November 2010 issue of ABHOW Words.
