Perfect weather at the Los Verdes Golf Course on September 20 teed up a sign of hope for the region’s youth as the Torrance Refining Company sponsored the YMCA-Torrance South Bay’s 28th Annual Kids Classic Golf Tournament.
A total of 138 golfers descended on Los Verdes’ well-manicured greens to support the annual tournament that was unfortunately cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and postponed this year from its originally scheduled date in May. The wait proved to be worthwhile, however.
Arriving in great spirits on a beautiful day, the golfers expressed how wonderful it was to be together again and actually see one another, albeit in masks. Jovial spirits underscored the importance of the day on the links, which funds opportunities for young people to develop important life-long skills by participating in safe and fun-filled camp experiences that enable them to thrive.
Co-chair of the YMCA’s Golf Committee Carl Ellett, who serves as a YMCA Board member and is also Coordination and Product Quality Supervisor at the Torrance Refinery, remarked on the importance of this fundraiser: “The purpose of this event has never been greater. The pandemic significantly impacted the development of our young people as we locked down and social distanced to keep one another safe. The Y’s youth programs, especially its Camp, offers a variety of fun experiences and social interactions that can help each one of them, in their own way, re-adjust and recover, and build skills to help them succeed in life.”
The Tournament raised more than $132,000, thanks to generous companies and local businesses that supported the event through sponsorship, donations, and golfers. Oxbow Energy Solutions Inc. LLC is one such company who supported the event as a sponsor and Vice President Digran Khalili noted, “The Torrance YMCA Golf Tournament is a great way to support local youth. We are honored to be a part of the event and look forward to it every year.”
Ellett added, “I know many businesses, like ours, have been affected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and are still in recovery mode, so, seeing them step forward with such generosity is heartwarming. Personally, I’m thankful for Torrance Refining’s commitment to be a supportive community partner, especially now when times are tough. Having local kids know they have such tremendous support from their community is important and gives us all hope for the future.”
Click here for an overview of the YMCA’s Youth Programs from Y Executive Director Steve MacAller.
To learn more about the Torrance-South Bay YMCA, visit their website here.
SAVE THE DATE! It’s never too early to mark your calendar. The 29th Annual YMCA Kids Classic Golf Tournament is planned for May 2, 2022. For sponsorship opportunities or player information, please contact the Y or Torrance Refining Community Relations Department.