Brittany Lang wasn’t the only winner at San Martin’s CordeValle Golf Club, the site of the 71st U.S. Women’s Open. Local nonprofit organizations were able to take the event—which drew more than 50,000 people to the venue—as an opportunity to raise money for their respective causes.
Volunteers from Operation Freedom Paws and the Sobrato High School Athletic Boosters manned some of the concession booths at the site, and in return took home 10 percent of sales proceeds from food and soft drinks, as well as 100 percent of tips collected. “Folks are very generous. It’s been a very positive experience,” said volunteer Diane Jimenez at the OFP concession booth July 8, during the second round of the USGA golf tournament. She was joined behind the counter by fellow volunteers Ed Brown and Nicole Martinez.
OFP is a nonprofit that helps veterans and people with disabilities improve their quality of life by helping them to train their own dogs, and certifying them as service dog teams. The San Martin-based organization will host the 5K “Hoofs and Woofs” 5K run/walk 8 to 11 a.m. July 16 at Harvey Bear County Park to raise more funds to support their mission. For more information about the 5K and upcoming OFP fundraisers, or to learn more about the organization, visit operationfreedompaws.org.
Sobrato High School football and volleyball team members and parents also participated in fundraising opportunities at the U.S. Women’s Open last week. Sophomore quarterback Sebastian Degroot, 14, said July 8 that he and his volunteer crewmates had raised about $600 in tips at their counter so far. He and freshman Nick Thrappus, a 14-year-old wide receiver, said the team plans to use the proceeds to purchase new equipment for the upcoming fall season.
