The 12th annual Don Harris Charity Golf Classic benefiting the Family Service Association was a huge success. The tournament took place at Sonterra Golf Club on Sept. 13, with more than 200 players and more than 40 volunteers. Funds raised go directly toward helping children, seniors and families in need. To date, the tournament has netted almost $500,000 to help those who need it most.
“Family Service is extremely grateful to Don Harris for his continuous support and his dedication to helping families in our community,” said Nancy Hard, president and chief executive officer of the Family Service Association. “The funds raised at this tournament help us leverage resources to help children who have been abused or neglected, keep youth in school, off drugs [and] out of gangs, and provide support for families to engage parents in their children’s academic success.”
Last year, this agency provided services to more than 70,000 individuals. Approximately 70 percent of these families earn less than $15,000, and many have nowhere to turn to get the support they need.
Debra, a single parent already struggling to make ends meet, thought she would never see the light at the end of the tunnel when she lost her job. Debra joined a Family Service program at her children’s school and learned how to become engaged in her children’s education. She learned to provide her children with positive reinforcement and guide them toward lifetime success.
Debra also improved her life by going back to school for her degree and landed a job with much better pay. She became the role model her children needed her to be.
“I don’t know what I would’ve done if it wasn’t for Family Service,” Debra said. “My children are doing great in school and have gained a sense of self confidence they never had before.”
“It’s so humbling to be a part of something like this,” said Don Harris, sports anchor and sports director for News 4WOAI-TV. “Family Service does so much for those in need. The proceeds from our tournament are just a drop in the bucket, but every dollar helps so that they can continue to help the less fortunate, abused and deprived.
“Our tournament shows what San Antonio can do when it pulls together as a community. Special thanks to all of the celebrities like Josh Davis, Sean Elliot, Malik Rose, Tanji Patton and many, many others who have given their time and support to help make this the most fun golf tournament in San Antonio.”
As a result of every success, children stay in school, parents regain control of their families, and the potential for abuse diminishes. Families now sit down together for meals and converse, and parents volunteer at their schools for the first time. Shy students become leaders. Families join together to forge supportive communities. Children show respect for their parents, and classroom behavior improves measurably.
This tournament has grown tremendously, and the support by the business community is outstanding. Harvey Najim has been a jewel, and the recent success is due in large part to both his generosity and persuasive nature.
Some additional sponsors included the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation, Darr Family/The Place Commercial Real Estate, Clear Channel, Padgett Stratemann, NuStar, Valero, Capital One, Silver Eagle/Bud Light, Concord Properties, AT&T, Administaff, NSIDE and Corporate Travel Planners. We couldn’t do it without them!
To help support Family Service in its mission to help improve the lives of individuals and families and strengthen their communities, visit www.family-service.org or call Shannon Nisbet, vice president of development and donor relations, at 210-299-2408.
