On Saturday September 17th, 144 registered golfers will gather at Inkster Valley Golf Course for the 17th Annual Don Julio Charity Golf Outing and will raise thousands of dollars for the community.
The outing certainly has its humble beginnings. The originators, six longtime friends from Southwest Detroit, thought of the idea for a yearly tournament in a basement while enjoying Don Julio tequila.The founders decided early on, instead of spending money on just trophies and prizes, why not organize an outing and raise money for those in need? Golf teams and monetary donations nearly doubled and tripled in size each year.
“The diversity of the outing is amazing when you think of it” says founder Art Gallegos, “There’s golfers young and old and we even have an international presence… shout out to our Canadian player!”
The Don Julio organizing team is proud to support different organizations each year. It’s a good feeling knowing you can help people in need by playing the game of golf.” Says Gallegos. Past beneficiaries include Clark Park Coalition, The Wounded Warrior Project, All Saint’s Literacy Center, Hope of Detroit Learning Academy and The Great Lakes Burn Camp just to name a few. “They gave us everything! balls, bats, equipment bags, and helmets” says Clark Park softball coach, Rita Tyler “To this day the girls are still wearing them and we really appreciate it.”
This year all of the money raised at the golf outing will support Congress of Communities and the Detroit Hispanic Lions Club. “It is well appreciated,” says Lions Club Treasurer Ralph (Tony) Trejo. “Money will support the community in a number of ways like buying glasses for those in need, prom dresses for high school seniors and the Holy Redeemer food bank.”
Founders of the outing will continue to organize the charity, even without The Don Julio corporation backing them. They hope the company will one day take notice and contribute, but until then they are grateful for their generous sponsors and participating golfers who have been the backbone for this event thus far.
