The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation donated $100,000 to four local charities on Thursday, June 8th at the Sycuan Cup 32nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan. The event was kicked off with a fun filled day of golf followed by dinner and an awards ceremony for the tournament’s participants made up of representatives from the tribe, event sponsors and the beneficiaries.
“Giving back to our community will always be a priority to the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation,” said Cody J. Martinez, chairman, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. “These charities are a crucial part of our society and we are proud to provide anything we can to them to help continue their mission.”
During the dinner and awards ceremony, the Sycuan Tribal Council presented $25K to the Strong Hearted Native Women’s Coalition, Indigenous Regeneration, Make-A-Wish Foundation San Diego and Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego for a total donation of $100K.
Strong Hearted Native Women’s Coalition
Strong Hearted Native Women’s Coalition, Inc. works to bring awareness against sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sex-trafficking, and murdered & missing in Southern California. The purpose of their coalition is to enhance the capacity of survivors, advocates, victim organizations, and victim services providers to end violence against American Indian and Alaskan Native people. Their goal is to increase the approachability to improving systemic and community responses to victims. To raise awareness, educate, and to provide technical assistance, training, and supportive services for victims including cultural and unique barriers facing Native Americans.
Indigenous Regeneration
Indigenous Regeneration launched in early 2017, thanks to a network of philanthropists, community partners, Indigenous rights activists, and musicians who are dedicated to bringing regenerative programming and resources to Tribal Communities in San Diego. They believe emotional and physical wellbeing is achievable through reconnection to the land, self and others.
Their programming is focused on traditional and contemporary food cultivation, environmental awareness and stewardship, traditional plant education and integration, Indigenous primitive survival skills, healthy expression through music, art and culture, regenerative agriculture concepts, and sustainable building techniques. All of the programming is designed from an Indigenous view, overseen by elders on the board, and is aligned with holistic practices for future economic growth on San Diego reservations. Golf tournament funding will be earmarked for their Ethnobotany Board Game project.
Make-A-Wish Foundation San Diego
Since 1983, thousands of volunteers, donors and supporters have helped advance the Make-A-Wish® San Diego vision to grant the wish of every child in San Diego and Imperial Counties diagnosed with a critical illness. A wish can be that spark that helps these children believe that anything is possible and gives them the strength to fight harder against their illnesses. This one belief guides and inspires them to grant wishes that change the lives of the children they serve. The funding gifted today will be directed in honor of their very special 5000th wish, which is happening this week.
Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego
Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego’s mission is to connect families (and individuals) with disabilities to resources, services and opportunities while encouraging an inclusive community and enhancing quality of life.
Over 14 years ago, local parents from the special needs community asked Sharon Bay, owner of their parent company, San Diego Family for her help. They requested a single guide or publication which could provide a listing of resources available to parents of children with special needs or disabilities. The community wanted and needed one collective place to access resources and now our community benefits from their hard work and dedication.
ABOUT SYCUAN BAND OF THE KUMEYAAY NATION
Members of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation have resided in and around the foothills of the Dehesa Valley for more than 12,000 years. Today they are a modern government providing public services to their members, employees and neighbors. The Sycuan Tribal Government operates one of the region’s premier Indian gaming and resort facilities, Sycuan Casino Resort. The Sycuan Tribe demonstrates its strong commitment to the San Diego region through the support of hundreds of civic and charitable organizations.
The Tribe also seeks to reinvest back into the San Diego community with a progressive business development and diversification effort. The tribe is a major investor in and owner of the 30th Major League Soccer (MLS) team that was awarded to the city of San Diego in 2023, becoming the first native American tribe to be part-owner of any men’s major league sports franchise. They purchased the former Singing Hills Country Club and the historic U.S. Grant Hotel; developed the Marina Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in National City; and constructed and operates the Sycuan Market and convenience store. Combined, these enterprises now employ nearly 3,500 San Diegans. For more information on Sycuan visit www.sycuantribe.com.
