Fishing and fundraising aren’t common elements of most philanthropic events, but the combo pays off handsomely for OC children’s charities at the Stars & Stripes Tournament. The four-day festival drew some 600 to the Hilton Los Cabos Beac h & Golf Resort in Mexico, reeling in $2.8 million to help five youth nonprofits: Big Brothers Big Sisters of OC, Miracles For Kids, Orangewood Children’s Foundation, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of OC, and HomeAid OC.
The event was founded by Dick Gebhard and is put on by a volunteer board of OC execs called The Knights, who have helped Stars & Stripes raise more than $22 million in
19 years.
“The grantees receive critical funds that help us provide safety net programs to children and families in need,” says Melissa Beck, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of OC. “Stars & Stripes has helped nearly a generation of youth change the trajectory of their lives.”
The unique weekend offers sportfishing in the Sea of Cortez, golfing on fine Los Cabos courses (Tom Fazio-designed Chileno Bay and Club Campestre San Jose) and rocking to headline acts at the dinner, this year featuring Sammy Hagar.
