AMERICAN CANYON, CA, September 28, 2017 — ABS-CBN Foundation International hosted the debut of TFC Unity Cup golf tournament at the sprawling Chardonnay Golf Club in American Canyon, California on Saturday, September 23rd. The event raised funds for the rehabilitation of The Children’s Village in Norzagaray, Bulacan in the Philippines. The Children’s Village serves as a shelter for the abused children rescued by Bantay Bata (Child Watch), one of the programs of ABS-CBN Foundation International which is celebrating its 20th year.
ABS-CBN Foundation International Managing Director Jerry Bennett was happy to see a good turnout. He expressed gratitude to the golfers who showed up, “Your support today means so much to the children of Bantay Bata. After 20 years, we’ve done a lot but a lot still needs to be done to help the children especially in the areas of education, health and medical concerns, and their safety and protection.”
Participants in the initial TFC Unity Cup had fun with the various fundraising activities aside from the 18-hole two-man scramble format played by the teams. These included the Las Vegas Holes, Putting Contest, Mulligans, and a Raffle. There was also the Closest to the Line, Nearest to the Pin, and Hole-in-One Competitions. A two-year lease on a Ford Mustang was up for grabs in the Hole-in-One Competition.
The energy was tangible in the air and there was a general feeling of camaraderie. Sean Talmadge shared that “when I heard it was for that cause, I knew we should play in it, and it was really a very good golf course so it was fun to play.” Sean Talmadge, who played in matching orange and yellow Hawaiian shirts with his son Michael, said “Our day here was great. Even if we’re not winning, we’re still happy we’re here and we contributed to a good cause.” Pedro Escalante affirms that “it’s a great cause. I follow all the help that’s been done for all the families and the kids in the Philippines. I support the cause every time I get the chance to help.”
After six hours on the course, the tournament participants enjoyed cocktails and dinner with a short program hosted by Adobo Nation’s Ginger Conejero and ABS-CBN Head for Business Development Enrique Olives, who is also an exceptional golf player.
Minor awards and recognition were given out. Generosity overflowed as the players who won cash prizes went on to donate their winnings to Bantay Bata. 14-year old Ralph Kho who was the youngest player and the biggest winner of the night – he won twice – gave his cash prize back to ABS-CBN Foundation International. He disclosed, “I won for the putting contest and in the raffle.” When asked why he donated his prize money, Kho said “I just wanted to help out the village in the Philippines.”
ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Chairman of the Board Eugenio Lopez III was pleased with the pioneering efforts for the TFC Unity Cup Golf Tournament, and is looking forward to the future. Lopez invites all to attend the gala. “We have an awards presentation next week where we’re going to show the various things that Bantay Bata is doing. We hope that will generate a lot of engagement within the Filipino community and other people that are interested in helping the Philippines.” He adds, “We expect to do this every year. We expect that it will grow bigger and bigger every year. I hope that more people will support.”
Winners for the major awards and competition will be awarded at the TFC Unity Cup Gala Awards Night on Saturday, September 30th at the South San Francisco Conference Center at 255 South Airport Boulevard in South San Francisco California.
The awarding ceremony starts at 4:30 P.M. followed by cocktails, dinner and dancing. Entertainment will be provided by the a cappella sensation The Filharmonic and the ultimate performer Mr. Gary Valenciano.
Tickets for the Gala Night are $70 inclusive of dinner and a fun-filled evening. Help build lives and protect children at risk. For more information, email foundation@abs-cbni.com or call 1-800-527-2820.
