Funds Generated Will Facilitate Academic, Career Opportunities for Arizona’s Foster Youth
On Tuesday, Sept. 9, Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation is offering an opportunity for Arizona’s golf community to uplift children within the state’s foster care system during the inaugural Friends of Foster Children Charity Golf Tournament. From 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., golfers will gather at The Club at Prescott Lakes, located at 311 E. Smoke Tree Lane for an 18-hole round of golf at the country club’s manicured course, a delicious breakfast and lunch, and camaraderie amongst fellow enthusiasts of the sport.
“AFFCF is excited to facilitate a chance for the Valley’s golfers to fund moments of joy, academic aspirations and career opportunities for foster youth of all ages,” said Luis De La Cruz, president of Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation. “While the golf tournament itself is a single day, the funds generated from this event will have a lasting positive effect on the foster community. Foster youth deserve access to the same resources, activities and academic services as their peers, and through hosting this event, we’re working to close these funding gaps.”
The Club at Prescott Lakes’ golf range will open at 7:30 a.m., with registration for the event and breakfast offerings available starting at 8 a.m. Tee-off will begin at 9 a.m., with games concluding with an awards ceremony at 2 p.m. AFFCF will be raffling off a variety of experiences and service offerings from contributing partners, including four certificates for a kayaking experience from Yak N Sup Canyon Lake, a $200 gift card from Citizen Public House, and two packages for four people to enjoy a game of golf, courtesy of Sunridge Canyon and Camelback Golf Club.
“My wife and I have volunteered as court appointed special advocates in Yavapai County for many years and have seen firsthand the direct impact AFFCF has had on foster children in our county,” said Jon Birdt, event co-chair. “Specifically, we have seen the impact of AFFCF filling in critical gaps to provide for life changing needs. These benefits include tutoring, braces, school supplies and any other ancillary needs state funding can’t provide. AFFCF also fills a major gap in helping youth age out of foster care, by supporting their success in college, employment, and in life. Our family is incredibly proud to support this cause.”
Sponsors for the event include the Margaret T. Morris Foundation, Wells Fargo Advisors, La Fuentes Village Resort, Raymond James, Sunwest Bank and VDigital Services. As of July 22, opportunities are still available for interested parties to be the event’s title sponsor, silver sponsor, lunch sponsor, hole sponsors and additional raffle prize sponsors.
“Supporting this golf tournament isn’t just about a day on the green – it’s about showing up for children in foster care who deserve stability, encouragement, and a sense of belonging,” said Thomas Polk, trustee at The Margaret T. Morris Foundation. “The Margaret T. Morris Foundation is proud to stand behind AFFCF because their tireless work brings meaningful change to the lives of these kids. Every swing, every sponsorship, every donation helps rewrite their stories. We invite the entire community to rally with us – because when we come together, we’re not just playing a game, we’re investing in brighter futures.”
AFFCF is a Phoenix-based 501c3 that serves to enrich, educate and empower the lives of Arizona’s children and youth in foster care through its three primary focus areas: Childhood Activities, Keys to Success, and Post-Secondary programming. For more information about AFFCF and its various supportive programs for foster youth of all ages, please visit affcf.org.
About AFFCF
Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF) provides foster care support by closing critical funding and service gaps. AFFCF has over 40 years of experience ensuring Arizona’s foster care population can participate in the same activities as their non-foster care peers, achieve self-sufficiency through employment, education, and housing programs and pursue post-secondary success. AFFCF is dedicated to changing the story of foster care in Arizona and qualifies for the Arizona Foster Care Tax Credit. Visit affcf.org for more information.
