Photo Credit: Petra CaresNews
Cypress Non-Profit Golf Tournament Raises $150K+ to Help Foster Youth Build Careers
Petra Cares’ second annual Driving Futures Golf Tournament raised more than $150,000 in projected proceeds, bringing together business leaders, golfers and community supporters on Oct. 26 at Sugar Creek Country Club for a day of friendly competition, fundraising and a mission that extends far beyond the golf course.
With Priority Commerce Automotive serving as Title Presenting Sponsor, the tournament featured a helicopter ball drop, putting contests, a spirited live auction and even a special appearance by Elvis! Students from Petra Cares’ 17th automotive technician cohort also joined the festivities, giving attendees a chance to meet some of the young adults whose futures their contributions are helping shape.
The day was filled with memorable moments, including:
- Tournament champions: Scott Joseph, Zac Joseph, Trevor Gold and Steadman Nall took home first place, followed by Carlos Zubizarreta, Tony Zubizarreta and Keith Storey in second, and Mike Martinez, Lucious Barbam, Daniel Martinez and Dr. Joey Simon in third.
- Helicopter ball drop: Lezlye Ware claimed the grand prize, a trip to see the Eagles at the Sphere in Las Vegas, including a two-night stay at the Venetian. Sean Gore and Rich Kieval earned second- and third-place prizes.
- Live auction excitement: A Waste Management Phoenix Open experience drew two winning bids from Justin and Jennifer Baker and Jordan Smith.
- Community support: Regions Bank volunteers helped bring the event to life, while Ragin’ Cajun capped off the evening with dinner and Petra Cares’ Brian Meza led the awards celebration.
But the biggest win wasn’t on the leaderboard. Funds raised will help Petra Cares provide young adults transitioning out of foster care and other at-risk youth with automotive career training, transportation, meals, tools, emotional support and job placement assistance, removing barriers that can stand between these young adults and financial independence.
Since launching in 2023, Petra Cares has served 162 young adults through 16 automotive training classes, with 110 graduates and 91 placed in jobs, representing an 83% placement rate among graduates. The nonprofit has also expanded its workforce training with a new Title Clerk and Warranty Administration program, which recently graduated its first class of five young women.
Source: Petra Cares
