Firebirds Invitational raises $100K-plus for One Valley Foundation
The Coachella Valley Firebirds, proud American Hockey League affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Seattle Kraken, hosted their second annual Firebirds Invitational Golf Tournament at the Classic Club, benefiting the One Valley Foundation, the team’s official nonprofit.
The event featured 147 golfers and received tremendous support from dedicated Firebirds players, coaches and hockey operations staff. The tournament’s post golf awards reception included 168 guests, making this highly anticipated event a huge success.
“Coming off such a crazy and successful first season, we were able to sell out this second annual Firebirds Invitational Golf Tournament within three days of the on-sale date,” said Andrew Mason, Firebirds senior director, community relations. “I think it speaks to the work we do in our community daily and the love and passion our fans have for the team. … We were able to raise over $100,000 at this event with every penny staying in our valley.”
The One Valley Foundation is committed to ensuring an inclusive community for our fans, united through a shared passion for sports. The nonprofit aims to create greater opportunity and impact across the Coachella Valley through a variety of programs and legacy events, such as this annual golf tournament, focused on three core pillars of education, community and access to hockey.
This event realized overwhelming community support. Food Now raised $11,000 on its hole activation during the tournament, which the One Valley Foundation matched for a total of $22,000. Food Now, located in Desert Hot Springs, strives to improve the quality of life in eastern Riverside County by providing food assistance, community outreach and support services which strengthen families and build healthy communities.
Jersey Mike’s provided boxed lunches for all participating golfers, with the post golf awards reception
featuring a burger bar, all-beef vienna hot dogs, a philly cheesesteak bar, and an open bar hosted by Truly, BuzzBox, Spotlight 29 and El Cristiano tequila.
Major event sponsors included Spotlight 29 and Tortoise Rock Casino. Additional event sponsors included Ben & Jerry’s Palm Springs, BuzzBox Premium Cocktails, Toyota, The Village Pup, Coca-Cola, Charity Golf International, PlanIt Print Works, and L’abri Management Inc.
Some of the exclusive silent auction items included an inaugural season Firebirds framed team signed jersey with playoff patch, finals puck and arena commemorative ticket; an Eagles autographed tour poster; Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock autographed tour poster; Shadow Ridge two night stay and golf package; an autographed Grant Fuhr Edmonton Oilers Mitchell & Ness 1986-87 Blue Line player jersey; player autographed jerseys; and an official NHL Mini Stanley Cup autographed by Wayne Gretzky.
About the Coachella Valley Firebirds
The Coachella Valley Firebirds are the American Hockey League’s 32nd franchise and the affiliate of the Seattle Kraken. The Firebirds finished their inaugural season as the Western Conference Champions, playing their home games at Acrisure Arena.
Opened in December of 2022, Acrisure Arena provides the greater Palm Springs area of Southern California with a premier 11,000-plus capacity venue, hosting the biggest artists and acts on the planet. Designed specifically for hockey and with optimal acoustics for concerts, this new arena provides toptier hospitality, artist amenities and all the benefits of a modern music and sports venue.
For information on the One Valley Foundation, call Andrew Mason at (760) 835-6797 or visit cvfirebirds.com.
Madeline Zuckerman is owner of M. Zuckerman Marketing & Public Relations, Inc., a strategic marketing, branding, public relations and special events firm with offices in Rancho Mirage and Newport Beach, Calif. She is a founder of McCallum Theatre, a board member of the One Valley Foundation, the official nonprofit of the Coachella Valley Firebirds and has been a guest reporter with The Desert Sun for the past 16 years.