Classic Driving Change to End Veteran Homelessness
Since its inception in 2021, Father Joe’s Villages Golf Classic has raised more than $500,000 for high-impact programs preventing and ending homelessness in San Diego. In 2024, they are proud to partner with The BEST CEO Group, a collective of San Diego business leaders, to focus their support on a population near and dear to the hearts of this military town: veterans experiencing homelessness.
“The BEST CEO Group is honored to be the Presenting Sponsor for this year’s Golf Classic. As someone who has served, I carry a deep sense of respect and empathy for the sacrifices that veterans have made for our country,” says Joe Phillips, Chairman of The BEST CEO Group. “We are delighted to partner with Father Joe’s Villages to ensure hundreds of veterans in San Diego will receive the support they need to get back on their feet.”
As of 2024, veterans make up 9% of San Diego’s unhoused population. Sadly, these individuals experience exceptional and unique challenges when trying to adapt to life after service such as PTSD, substance use disorder, and physical disabilities. These challenges are further complicated with San Diego’s continuing inflation and high cost of living, leaving San Diego with one of the nation’s highest veteran homeless populations.The cause is also personal to Mike Schleyhahn, former member of The BEST CEO Group and Golf Classic Chair: “My father served in the US Navy during WW2 and saw extensive combat landing our soldiers and marines in the European and South Pacific campaigns. He taught me at a very young age to always respect those who have sacrificed to defend the freedom we so richly enjoy. Our hometown veterans need our support now more than ever.”While the statistics are dire, there is an abundance of hope. Father Joe’s Villages works with these esteemed individuals to address medical and mental health issues, including substance abuse treatment, increasing their income, creating social and family connections, and helping them navigate any pending legal concerns. The Golf Classic will create a significant impact in 2024 by raising funds to strengthen veterans’ livelihoods, bringing together community members to play with a mission in mind.
The BEST CEO Group companies leading this charge are Baker Electric, Blue Marble Communications, Centura Wealth Advisory, Charmet Tile, Component Surfaces, Inc., McParlane & Associates, Inc., R&R Construction, and The Super Dentists. They invite you to join them in their efforts by sponsoring, attending, or donating to the event to stabilize, treat, and empower veterans to achieve a life of purpose.The 4th Annual Golf Classic will be held on September 26, 2024, at The Grand Del Mar, with opening festivities beginning at 10:30 am and a 12:30 pm shotgun start. Sponsors and players will enjoy a day of excitement with excellent food and drinks, giveaways and on-course games, a player gift, and a world class course.Learn more and sign-up today at my.neighbor.org/golf or by contacting Emily Davis, Manager of Special Events, at (619) 446-2115.
