Golfers and Non-Golfers Help Ensure that Community’s Grieving Children Receive Critically Needed Services

Golfers and non-golfers are invited to attend Swing Fore Hope Golf Classic on Friday, September 13 at Twin Oaks Golf Course This tournament, auction and dinner is hosted by The Elizabeth Hospice, a nonprofit healthcare leader that provides comfort and counsel to children and adults facing the challenges associated with a life-threatening illness, and restores hope to grieving children and adults who are feeling lost and alone. Funds raised at this special event benefit the organization’s comprehensive Children’s Bereavement Program, the only one of its kind in San Diego County and Southwest Riverside County.

The Swing for Hope Golf Classic, with DAV (Disabled American Veterans) as Premier Sponsor and Marsh & McLennan as Platinum Sponsor, has a Shotgun Start at 1 pm. In addition to 18 holes on a championship golf course, tournament participants will enjoy a delicious lunch hosted by Harrah’s Resort Southern California and an on-course game competition.

The cocktail reception begins at 6 pm, followed by a delicious dinner, live auction and awards. Non-golfers are encouraged to join the fun. During the live auction, attendees will have the opportunity to bid on must-have items including luxury vacation packages. Even non-attendees can try their luck at winning two round-trip tickets on Southwest Airlines by purchasing raffle tickets.

“Children’s bereavement is more prevalent than many people realize, with one in five children experiencing the death of someone close to them by the age of 18,” said Jan Jones, Chief Executive Officer of The Elizabeth Hospice. “Grieving children are at risk of depression, anxiety and isolation which often leads to poor school attendance, lowered academic achievement, behavioral problems and substance abuse. But if their grief is addressed early, the risk of engagement in maladaptive lifestyle choices can be decreased. That’s why we offer a wide range of services to our community’s grieving children.”

Proceeds from Swing Fore Hope Golf Classic make it possible for The Elizabeth Hospice to offer children’s bereavement services free-of-charge to everyone, including families who do not have an affiliation with The Elizabeth Hospice. These services include: in-school grief support groups in 20 school districts, peer support groups in our Children’s Bereavement Centers in Escondido and Mission Valley, Camp Spero, a summer bereavement camp, and grief education and support for school professionals

Registration for Swing Fore Hope Golf Classic (tournament and/or dinner) is now open at www.elizabethhospice.org/golf.

For more information and sponsorship opportunities, email golf@ehospice.org or call Tylie Daniels at 760-796-3708.