Second Annual ‘SEAL Tribute Celebration and Golf Tournament’ Announced for 2011
(HALF MOON BAY, Calif.) – The Naval Special Warfare Foundation, Half Moon Bay Golf Links and The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, raised over $500,000 for the families of U.S. Navy SEALs and their support personnel at the inaugural “SEAL Tribute Celebration and Golf Tournament” on Monday, October 4th.
Featured guests included Medal of Honor recipient Lieutenant (SEAL) Michael E. Thornton (ret.), Vice Admiral (SEAL) Albert M. Calland, III (ret.), and Rear Admiral (SEAL) Thomas R. Richards (ret.). The exclusive golf tournament took place on Half Moon Bay Golf Links’ Ocean and Old Courses, with sponsors playing and interacting with members of the SEAL community.
The day concluded with over 200 participants attending a Gala Dinner in the ballroom at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, with addresses by Lieutenant Thornton, Admiral Richards, and Ms. Krissy Rankin, whose fiancé was a Navy SEAL and died in the line of duty.
“We did not have the support of a foundation helping us back in my day,” says Lieutenant Thornton. “The Navy SEALs are making great sacrifices to protect our freedom and our country. As Americans, we need to provide the same for their families and the Naval Special Warfare Foundation offers this assistance.”
“It was invigorating and inspiring to watch Americans rally on behalf of the Naval Special Warfare Foundation, the SEALs and their loved ones,” says Mark Kendall, SEAL Tribute Event Chairman and President of Kenmark Golf Management, who operates Half Moon Bay Golf Links. “Despite the economy and downturn in large events and outings, golf is still a unifying game that brings people together over a shared cause.”
“Half Moon Bay Golf Links has been an incredible partner,” says Kristi Cummings, director, Naval Special Warfare Foundation. “They understand the many sacrifices made not only by these amazing warriors, but by their families as well, and they have certainly created a wonderful venue for people to come out to show their appreciation.”
Opening ceremonies began Monday with the U.S. Navy color guard and a Half Moon Bay High School trio singing the national anthem. A brief presentation followed with the retirement of an American flag recently flown in Afghanistan by a U.S. Navy SEAL team.
Next year’s event will be held on September 30 and October 1. For more information or sponsorship information, visit www.halfmoonbaygolf.com/seals, contact Kristi Cummings at the Naval Special Warfare Foundation at email kcummings@nswfoundation.org or Mark Kendall at 650-726-5769, or email mkendall@kenmark.com.
About the SEAL – Naval Special Warfare Foundation
The SEAL – Naval Special Warfare Foundation was founded in 2000, and while they were not established because of the war, their mission in serving the U.S. Navy SEALs and their families has been made more important and more difficult as a result of it. As the frequent deployments continue and the injuries mount, the programs and services of the SEAL – Naval Special Warfare Foundation are more critical than ever. The Foundation provides support for the U.S. Navy SEALs, the Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen, and families of Naval Special Warfare through:
Health and Welfare programs providing tragedy assistance for families when a loved one is killed in combat or training, assistance to active duty personnel wounded in combat, and family events to support the families and commands within Naval Special Warfare;
Education and Motivation promoting learning and advancement within the Naval Special Warfare community for active duty personnel and their families; and
History and Heritage perpetuating the rich history and tradition of this unique breed of warrior by funding monuments and memorials, as well as co-publishing “The Blast”, a quarterly journal of Naval Special Warfare highlighting past and present commandos.
About Half Moon Bay Golf Links
Set against the dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Half Moon Bay Golf Links is located just minutes from San Francisco and San Jose, and only 20 miles from San Francisco International Airport. The golf resort features thirty-six holes of championship golf; a clubhouse with a full-service pro shop offering the latest equipment and fashionable apparel; and the popular ocean-view restaurant, Mullins Bar & Grill, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual fireside dining setting.
For nearly 40 years, avid golfers have been returning to this incomparable setting, enjoying the variety of play offered by two award-winning courses: Arnold Palmer’s classic American parkland-styled The Old Course and the Scottish-links-styled Ocean Course designed by Arthur Hills.
The Old Course is a classic American design, with a series of strategically-demanding holes linked through the property’s interior. The famous, par-4 18th emerges along the Pacific Ocean, boasting one of the most stunning tee-to-green views in the U.S. It plays up to The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay’s oceanfront courtyard and fire pit.
The Ocean Course provides a true links golf experience: the salt air of the Pacific a constant as it is transported via the constant breeze from the Ocean just yards away. Fairways are separated by coastal mounding and native grasses, and open green fronts and creatively designed green surrounds support a variety of different playing options.
The Ocean Course hosted the 2008 LPGA Samsung World Championship, featuring the world’s best women golfers and won by Paula Creamer. Half Moon Bay Golf Links is also a regular site for U.S. Open Men’s and Women’s qualifiers, including 2010.
The golf courses are managed by Kenmark Golf Management. For more information about Kenmark, please visit www.kenmark.com.
Accolades for Half Moon Bay Golf Links Include:
“Top 80 Golf Resorts” – Conde Nast Traveler
“No. 18 Golf Resort in North America” -Golf Digest
“Gold Medal Award” -GOLF Magazine
“The Pebble Beach Experience Just Up The Coast” -New York Times
“One of the 18 Great Country Clubs for a day” -Business Week
“One of the Best 18 Holes in the Country” -Golf Digest
“Four Stars: A San Francisco Treat” -Golf Digest
“No. 1 in the West” –Business Week/Golf Digest
Contact:
Shane Sharp
Buffalo Communications
704.519.8381
ssharp@buffalocommunication.com
www.buffalocommunications.com
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