The Los Angeles Clippers Foundation hosted its annual Charity Golf Classic presented by Chumash Casino Resort Wednesday at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes.
The tournament, which featured more than 140 participants ranging from season ticket holders and sponsors to VIPs and invited guests, helps raise money for the team’s foundation with a portion of this year’s proceeds benefitting Special Olympics Southern California.
The tournament began with an 11 a.m. shotgun start and continued through the evening with a dinner reception that included all 16 members of the Clippers roster and the team’s coaching staff.
“I think today is [all about] helping raise money for Special Olympics and the LA Clippers Foundation,” Clippers President Andy Roeser said. “This tournament gives us a chance to do some good all through the winter."
Clippers Head Coach and Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations Doc Rivers, who played in the tournament as well as spoke at the dinner reception that followed, talked about the importance of having events like the Golf Classic.
"It's great because you're raising money, number one, and it's a fun event,” Rivers said. “It's nice to raise money and have fun.”
The Los Angeles Clippers Foundation exists to foster and support community outreach programs and activities with positive educational, civic, environmental and humanitarian values that benefit and enhance the quality of life primarily for children in greater Los Angeles.
Daniel Frommer, a VIP guest who was playing in the event for the first time, said, ��[It’s a] great opportunity to come here to Trump National, have some fun for a good cause for the community and to support the Clippers Foundation.”
For participants from Chumash Casino, the tournament also serves as a way to contribute and give back.
“The Chumash are more than happy to help out with any Clippers charitable event,” said Reggie Pagaline, a participant from title sponsor Chumash Casino Resort. “It’s one of things we do; it’s part of our tradition.”
After a long day on the course, participants were invited into the clubhouse for dinner. Invited players and VIPs were seated with at least one member of the Clippers roster or coaching staff.
Hosted by legendary Clippers broadcaster Ralph Lawler and Clippers radio play-by-play man Brian Sieman, players were introduced after Rivers addressed the crowd.
After arriving around 4 p.m. the players and coaches mingled with golfers during a one-hour mixer where all in attendance were able to bid via silent auction on a number of items, including a Blake Griffin autographed shoe, a Colorado vacation package, an autographed team ball, an opening night ball boy package for children, a Cal Ripken jersey and much more.
In addition to the current roster, former Clippers center Olden Polynice made an appearance at the tournament.
"It’s a beautiful day on a beautiful golf course,” Polynice said. “The Clippers do a wonderful job every year and it's great to see all the different sponsors, season ticket holders, players and coaches. It's a lot of fun."