Corona, CA – On Friday, September 20th, close to 90 golfers enjoyed a beautiful day supporting local Veterans at the Veterans Housing Alliance (VHA) 3rd Annual Golf Classic. This year, the charity golf event was held in Corona, CA at the prestigious Eagle Glen Golf Course. The goal of the charity golf event is to help raise funds for programs supporting local Veterans realize the dream of home-ownership. All proceeds from this event go back to Veterans, as the entire organization and its board are comprised of volunteers.

Ruben Hernandez, executive director, said the event once again exceeded its fundraising goal the board agreed upon at the beginning of the year.

“The goal was to raise $20,000 so we could help fund our programs, we are proud to say way exceeded that and raised just under $25,000 by the end of the event,” Hernandez said.

Out on the course, golfers could interact with hole sponsors and enjoy free swag, food, and drinks. For a special show, the VHA brought out long drive specialists who could hit your ball over 300 yards for a small donation to charity. The first-place winners are given a special military-themed trophy that includes a military-grade knife as a souvenir. Second and third place groups also were awarded trophies and prizes. Other attendees could purchase raffle tickets and take part in a silent auction of autographed sports memorabilia. Southwest Airlines, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Massage Envy Corona, Hangar 18 Climbing Gym, and many more donated several prizes golfers could win with just one lucky ticket.

Each year, the VHA dedicates a portion of its proceeds for a special Veteran-focused project. This year, the VHA is partnering with Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley. A portion of the golf proceeds raised will be designated to pilot a new, more efficient, and less expensive building alternative to house a Veteran family. Earlier in the year, Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley hosted its golf classic to also raise money for this project. More details will be available in 2020, you can join the VHA’s mailing list on their website to get future updates on this project.

Months before the event, the VHA announced Pacific Premier Bank as the title sponsor for the event. Pacific Premier Bank pledged a $6,000 donation to aid in the support of local Veterans. As a local bank, they are dedicated to reinvesting in the communities they serve, which includes Riverside and San Bernardino counties. One of the community areas Pacific Premier Bank focuses on is the need for affordable housing and home-ownership. Veteran home-ownership is the core mission of the VHA, we are honored to partner alongside Pacific Premier Bank to help Veteran’s achieve home-ownership.

Marketing director, Ryan Gullett, said of the event “It is always good to go out into the community and help support our local Veterans. We always try to host a fun and enjoyable tournament for our supporters. Home-ownership means military Veterans live a more happy and healthier life after they leave the military and transition to civilian life. I would like to thank everyone who volunteers to help us make that a reality for Veterans.”

The VHA would like to thank IPS Battery, Union Bank, UCR School of Business, Riverside Sheriffs’ Association, and all of our sponsors and volunteers who made the day a success.

About the Veterans Housing Alliance

The Veterans Housing Alliance is a Non-Profit whose mission is to work with U.S. Military Service Members and Veterans. The goal is to provide resources, assistance, affordable and sustainable, housing options to those who seek to realize the dream of home-ownership. Our goal is simple: We aim to help transition Veterans to home-ownership while ensuring they have the assistance and necessary tools needed to make the dream of affordable and sustainable home-ownership a reality!

If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who is considering owning their own home, you can apply for a grant from the VHA that gives financial aid for closing costs and other costs that are associated with buying a home. https://vha1.org/