Representatives from major technology companies spent Monday on the golf course raising $87,000 for three Sacramento-area charities.
The annual Fall Classic golf tournament, which took place at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, was hosted by Deloitte Consulting and attended by the area’s highest ranking technology executives. Sponsors included CGI, Oracle, Technosoft, M Corp, Adobe, IBM, McAfee, Xerox, CA Technologies and VIP consulting, among others.
"We are so grateful to our generous cosponsors and the many Deloitte volunteers who made this year’s Fall Classic such a tremendous success," said Jason Salzetti, Deloitte’s lead consulting principal for California. "The money we have raised and donated will help provide life-changing opportunities for children, and possibly even make a few dreams come true."
After the golf tournament, an auction was held to raise funds from donors who provided items such as ski trips to Lake Tahoe, Sacramento Kings tickets and cases of wine. The auction was kicked off with a piece of artwork created by a youth from one of the programs that will benefit from the fundraiser.
Proceeds from the golf tournament and auction went to Foster Youth Education Fund (FYEF), Latino Sports Outreach (LSO) and Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA).
CASA and LSO both received $15,000 each, while FYEF received $57,000. The funding will help the programs support area youth who lack family support and have other challenged circumstances. A handful of youth program members golfed with the technology executives and participated in the banquet auction. Two individuals spoke gratefully about their personal experiences, how they benefited from the programs.
"We were blown away at the unbelievable generosity of Deloitte and the tournament co-sponsors," said Joni Pitcl, president of the Foster Youth Education Fund. "It was a privilege to receive such a significant donation and to be joined by the other great local charities. Truly Deloitte makes an incredible contribution to the community and children. Youth and families in the Sacramento region are better off because of their efforts."
California Technology Agency Secretary Carlos Ramos, who serves on the board of Latino Sports Outreach, was among those raising money for the charities.
Deloitte started the charity event 11 years ago when a Sacramento-area family, owners of a local restaurant, needed to raise funds to pay for an operation for their child who had a life-threatening condition.
The event has become a regular occurrence each fall with growing attendance and proceeds, according to Deloitte staff.
