Morongo Tribe Raises 60K For Charity Through Golf

A recent golf tournament at the Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon netted $60,000, all of it to go to three Southern California charities, the tribe announced Wednesday.

The 16th annual golf tournament was held Monday, according to tribal officials.

According to organizers, more than 370 golfers participated in the event, for which the Morongo Band of Mission Indians played host, officials said.

The charities are some which support children born with cleft palates and those in homeless families, officials said.

"This year’s Morongo Charity Golf Tournament was an overwhelming success and it was extremely humbling to see so many golfers come out to support the community, especially in such a tough economy,” event co-chairman and tribal council member Charles Martin said.

Since 2006-- more than a half million dollars has been raised through this event.

“We truly appreciate the generous support of all the players and community sponsors," Martin added.

This year’s charitable event helped three organizations:

• Shawnee’s Smile/Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation: Shawnee’s Smile provides resources and support to families of a child born with a cleft palate or lip. Established in 2008, Shawnee’s Smile has provided specialized surgical software that allows physicians to compute extremely complex algorithms essential in correcting cleft lip, cleft palate and other craniofacial anomalies. 

“Thanks to the support of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Shawnee’s Smile is able to bring relief, resources and compassionate, helping hands to the families of a child born with a cleft palate or cleft lip,” said Rachelle B. Bussell, senior vice president for advancement at Shawnee’s Smile. 

• Dream Center Foundation: The Dream Center, a volunteer-driven organization that finds and fills the needs of individuals and families, was founded in 1994. Services and programs include residential rehabilitation programs for teens and adults, a shelter for victims of human trafficking, transitional shelter for homeless families, and mobile hunger relief and healthcare programs.

• Fred Jordan Missions: A non-profit, educational and relief organization, the Fred Jordan Missions serves hungry, homeless and impoverished people, especially children and families, in the country's urban areas.

“Thanks to the support of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Shawnee’s Smile is able to bring relief, resources and compassionate, helping hands to the families of a child born with a cleft palate or cleft lip,” said Rachelle B. Bussell, senior vice president for advancement at Shawnee’s Smile.