Optimists rename golf tournament for D'Alessandro

DOWNEY - This year's Downey Optimist Club 20th annual charity golf tournament, which has been renamed the "Tom Watts Memorial Tournament held in memory of 'Del' D'Alessandro," will be held Monday, April 13 at its usual venue, the Rio Hondo Golf Club.The tournament was founded 20 years ago by Optimist Tom Watts, who is remembered for "his passion for golf, exceeded only by his passion for his family and for helping kids in need. "Del" D'Alessandro, the long-time club member who brought the same dedication and commitment to excellence when he took over as golf tournament organizer and who passed away last year, was equally known for pursuing the same goal of "helping build the youth in the Downey community." Among the club's many charitable activities: annual scholarships for exceptional graduating students from Downey's three high schools; year-round support for children with disabilities at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center; sending children with serious burns to the club's summer fun "Burn Camp"; sponsoring Downey's annual "Pumpkin Patch" in Apollo Park; and providing sports equipment to the Optimist International Boys and Girls home ("which has been helping kids in need for more than 85 years"). The golf tournament, a shotgun start/four-person team scramble noon affair, is the Optimist Club's main fundraiser. Needless to say, it provides ample opportunities for having fun. Registration starts at 10 a.m. and the awards dinner & live auction is scheduled at 5 p.m. This being a fundraiser, the following corporate sponsorships are offered: platinum ($7,500); gold ($5,000); dinner ($5,000); golf shirt ($4,500); silver ($3,500); bronze ($2,500); foursome ($1,500); and tee/green ($150). Individual player fee is $150; dinner only is $50. All players will be entitled to: 18 holes of golf, on-course refreshments, lunch, dinner, team awards, "premium" golfer gifts, hole-in-one contest to win a new car, opportunity drawing, as well as live and silent auctions. Event program recognition deadline is March 24. For more information, call current club president Roy Acker, (562) 923-7581 or e-mail roy@mkmalcpa.com. ********** Published: February 20, 2009 - Volume 7 - Issue 44