EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra celebrated a major fundraising milestone after its 2026 Golf for Kids’ Sake tournament raised $75,000 to support youth mentoring programs serving El Dorado, Nevada and eastern Placer counties.
The annual tournament, held May 4 at Serrano Country Club, brought together golfers, sponsors, volunteers and community partners under the theme “Be a Force for Good.” Despite periods of rainy weather throughout the day, organizers said community participation and enthusiasm remained strong.
According to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra, proceeds from the event will directly support one-to-one mentoring programs designed to help children develop confidence, resilience and long-term stability through relationships with adult mentors.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this event such a success,”
said Florence Parks, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra.
“Your sponsorships, volunteer hours, raffle tickets, and every round played on the course help open doors for our local youth — giving them mentors who believe in them and opportunities to realize their full potential.”
Organizers said the tournament exceeded fundraising goals for the year, underscoring continued regional support for youth mentorship programs at a time when many nonprofit organizations face increasing financial pressures.
BBBSNS Board Chair Rob Bilo praised the commitment shown by participants and volunteers despite challenging weather conditions.
“On a less than ideal weather day, our supporters still came through for BBBS of Northern Sierra,”
Bilo said.
“We exceeded our fundraising goals for the event and we couldn’t have done it without everyone in the community coming together and contributing.”
The nonprofit recognized numerous local businesses and organizations for sponsoring the event. The Sam & Sharon Smith Foundation served as the Ace Sponsor, while Defenders of Potential Sponsors included El Dorado Disposal, Too Good Estate Winery, Shingle Springs Health & Wellness Center, Doug Veerkamp General Engineering Inc., Marshall Medical Center, and Serrano Country Club.
Additional sponsors included Nationwide Insurance, Bob and Becky Sippel, Daybreak Metro, Pabco Gypsum, Wells Fargo Advisors, Broadridge, Encanto Cocina & Tequila Bar, Sierra Health Foundation, Gularte’s Great Deli & Pizza and Rehig Pacific Company.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra also credited volunteers, board members and community donors who contributed silent auction prizes, food, beverages and on-course activities during the fundraiser.
Golf for Kids’ Sake is one of the organization’s signature annual events and helps fund mentoring matches for children throughout the region. The organization serves youth across several Northern California counties by pairing children with adult mentors who provide guidance, encouragement and support.
More information about mentoring opportunities, future events and donation programs is available through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra.
