Just prior to the serious concerns of social distancing, and rash of social event cancelations, people gathered at the Encanterra Country Club to raise money for the “1 Darn Cool School.”
They HIT the greens at the club in the San Tan Valley and Hit high numbers of charitable dollars raised for the school's coffers. About $500,000, that is! And that's Desert Financial Credit Union's President and CEO, Jeff Meshey, pictured above greeting supporters on the links.
Phoenix Children's Hosptial is one of very few hospitals in the United States that retains its own teaching staff and provides patients with the ability to keep up with school work, and an essential sense of normalcy and routine they need to increase their mental stimulation during care.
About 200 people turned out for this 22nd Desert Financial Foundation Charity Golf Tournament . Desert Financial’s annual tournament benefits PCH through the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH), an international non-profit organization operating for the sole purpose of providing funds for children's hospitals, medical research and fostering community awareness of children's health issues.
“Desert Financial has become the top fundraiser for ‘1 Darn Cool School’, in no small part due to this 22-year tradition of hosting a charity golf tournament,” said Ron Amstutz, executive vice president of Desert Financial. “We are thrilled each year to experience the continued generosity and support of our members, business partners and community for this event, and thank everyone who joined us in 2020.”’
Ron Amstutz is pictured below with Susan O’Donnell and Jeff Meshey.
The annual golf tournament originated in 1999, and in that time has raised more than $4.9 million dollars for PCH through CMNH. PCH is one of very few hospitals in the United States that retains its own teaching staff at “1 Darn Cool School,” providing patients with the ability to keep up with school work, and an essential sense of normalcy and routine they need to increase their mental stimulation during care. The innovative educational model delivers quality schooling for children who are enduring extended treatment at the facility. The school remains open five days a week and provides personalized instruction for youth in grades K-12. Additionally, for children whose conditions are truly debilitating and prevent them from leaving their rooms, convenient bedside instruction is also available.
Originally founded in 1939 by 15 teachers with only $78.75 between them, Desert Financial prides itself on exhibiting a steadfast commitment to the betterment of its community by giving back to nonprofits throughout the year.
