2023 San Manuel Golf Tournament Raises $425,000 for Nonprofits

The 24th annual golf tournament hosted nearly 1,000 participants to support organizations at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach.  

By Megan Garcia  

As the Southern California sunset cast over the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, the sense of community was palpable. There was a buzz in the air – nothing else could compare to five days of golf to support nonprofit organizations at a world-class beach resort.  

For 24 years, the San Manuel Golf Tournament has presented the opportunity to support nonprofits in local communities and throughout the United States. This year, five organizations were recognized by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel to aide their efforts in creating a better tomorrow in their respective missions.  

The recipients of this year’s golf tournament were: Lakota Waldorf School in South Dakota; Voices for Children; Citrus Counseling Services; Radiant Futures of Orange County; and Meals on Wheels OC.  

Nearly 1,000 participants joined forces to raise $425,000 over the course of five days in one of the biggest community events hosted by Yaamava’ and San Manuel, with the support of various community partners. This year’s event marked not only the largest turnout, but also the most funds ever raised.  

“Each year I stand in awe of the thoughtfulness and generosity of our sponsors and partners to continue San Manuel’s mission of supporting organizations that are truly the boots on the ground for making our world a better place,” said San Manuel Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena. “These five nonprofits are improving the lives of so many Native Americans, as well as local communities, and we are proud to help. The tournament is one of the many ways San Manuel demonstrates its value of giving back.” 

The five organizations that were selected as recipients were hand-selected for their impact in their communities. Amongst the causes are survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, people without sufficient means for nutrition and indigenous populations seeking cultural preservation.  

“We identified five nonprofits with really great programming,” said Robin Alcantara, Community Sponsorships manager of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. “All five provide critical services to the community. We knew they had to have the capacity, as well as the impact in the community with each organization receiving $85,000.”  

The 2023 San Manuel Golf Tournament had an added token of significance with its oceanside views overlooking the beautiful greenery of the golf course. It was the first event to be hosted by San Manuel at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch since acquiring an interest in the property earlier this year.  

Its views of the Pacific Ocean made for the perfect backdrop for guests and participants to kick off the annual event by celebrating the continuous movement of providing a hand up to nonprofits making a difference throughout California and Indian Country.