Events
AFAF's 8th Annual 2012 Golf Classic
Toscana Country Club to Host AFAF's 2012 Golf Classic!
American Friends of our Armed Forces 8th Annual Golf Classic will be held at Toscana Country Club, Indian Wells, California on Monday April 23, 2012. The annual golf outing is a major fund raising event for AFAF and enables the charity to continue its efforts to support America’s troops and their families.
Walt Van Benthuysen, AFAF Founder and President, announced the return of the AFAF Golf Classic to the renowned Toscana Country Club. Both the 2009 and 2010 AFAF Golf Classics at Toscana were major financial successes, raising more than $100,000 each year.
The day will begin with a barbecue lunch followed by the start of golf with a noon shotgun. A reception and dinner will follow the completion of play. Prizes for winning teams and tournament gifts for all players will be provided. A silent auction featuring high value items will be available for bid during the reception. AFAF also announced a high ranking Marine Officer will be a keynote speaker.
Ed Turman, Tournament Director, states that both the 2009 and 2010 golf classics were sell outs and he expects 2011 player openings to fill quickly. Tournament registration details will be announced in November, 2011.
Tournament Information and Entry Form Coming Soon
2011 Grants will exceed $250,000
Since 2005, AFAF has provided more than 1.2 million in support!
American Friends of our Armed Forces has announced it will provide more than $250,000 in grants to organizations assisting America’s military families. The Coachella Valley based charity has provided more than 1.2 million dollars in support for America’s troops and their families, since its formation in 2005.
The organizations receiving grants develop and implement programs designed to help meet the financial, social and emotional needs of America’s military. Key program support goes to programs at the valley’s two closest military bases, Camp Pendleton Marine Base and Twentynine Palms Marine Air Ground Combat Center. Over 50,000 marines and their families have programs available to them that receive financial assistance from AFAF.
In addition to funding base programs, AFAF also supports the always important Single Marine Program that cares for the needs of Marines and Sailors in combat zones. Monthly mailings of snacks, personal hygiene products and entertainment videos and equipment are part of the regular distribution to America’s Troops.
AFAF's 5th Annual Adopt a Marine
Valley Country Clubs Team Up With AFAF to Host 250 Marines!
Coachella Valley residents are once again opening up their homes to become hosts on Thanksgiving Day for Marines from the Marine Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms, California.
As a new feature this year, AFAF has arranged to partner with several area Country Clubs, including Desert Horizons, Indian Ridge, Rancho La Quinta, The Lakes and Toscana. Five well equipped 5 passenger busses have been arranged for the transport of the Marines from the base to Valley Clubs and their return at the end of the day.
American Friends of our Armed Forces will be coordinating the day’s activities for 250 Marines who will be hosted by more than 100 desert families. Host families from prior years have welcomed the Marines with pride, with many of the families participating every year since the program started.
We Salute You Celebration
AFAF Renews Title Sponsorship of 29 Palms “We Salute You Celebration”
On Saturday May 21, 2011, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, hosted its largest, most festive and most beloved event of the year. The 7th Annual We Salute You Celebration was a day of fun, relaxation and celebration of the dedication and sacrifices made by Marines, Sailors and their families.
Over 14,000 military members and family attended this year’s Salute, which truly had something for everyone. In addition to food and games, major musical headliners Bombshells and Clay Walker provided top notch entertainment.
AFAF signed on for the third consecutive year as the event Title Sponsor. In addition to major financial support, AFAF was pleased to provide a booth offering free ice cream, stuffed animals and prize giveaways that were enjoyed by all ages.
AFAF thanks Director Fred Nothdurft who made arrangements for the AFAF Booth and all the free giveaways to Marine families.
AFAF was given special recognition by Brigadier General Herman S. Clardy and MCCS Director Katherine Catlin. General Clardy stated AFAF’s assistance was immeasurable and they look forward to partnering with AFAF in the years ahead.
