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MEDIA RELEASE
SOUTH PASADENA, CA (June 18, 2024) — Nearly 120 golfers participated in the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses’ annual Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 15. Sponsored by Shaw, Moses, Mendenhall & Associates, the event was held, as is the tradition, at the Arroyo Seco Golf Course in the city.
The iconic event is one of numerous fundraisers hosted throughout the year to finance the South Pasadena volunteer-built float that rides in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade each January. Approximately $150,000 is needed to cover such expenses as materials and supplies for construction and decoration. All labor to construct and decorate the float is provided by volunteers.
Alan Vlacich, chair of the event and a longtime member of the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee, said the event was a big success.
“The event was fabulous,” he said after the tournament. “Although the figures are not finalized, we know we did better financially due to an increase in the number of people who participated.” More golfers registered this year compared to last.
Vlacich commended the more than 25 volunteers who worked to plan, set up, manage and break down the event. That support contributed to the event’s success. “I’d like to give a shout out to Carrie Russell,” he said, “who served as my right-hand person. It was her first year in the role and I really appreciate all her help. It was a big deal to me.”
Golfers arrived at 7 a.m. to check-in or register for the 8 a.m. shotgun start. The parking lot was full at 7:30 a.m. Participants were greeted with Krispy Kreme coffee and doughnuts and sunshine. There was no “June gloom” as the day started out sunny and remained that way throughout the warming afternoon. Teams appeared to be in high spirits and looking forward to playing the course with friends, business colleagues and family members.
Edel Vizcarra, a South Pasadena High School graduate and current resident, commented that it looked like a “South Pas high school reunion out there on the course.” He saw numerous graduates as he played the holes with his group. Several teams consisted of alumni who regularly get together to participate in the tournament. One team of high school friends was joined by a fellow classmate who now lives in Japan.
Guests had an opportunity to win one of 10 donated raffle items, including a Dodgers package donated by tournament Platinum Sponsor Shaw, Moses, Mendenhall & Associates. Featuring four loge seats behind home plate, the package included parking and admission to the Stadium Club.
teammate Jason Gautereaux.
Golfers had a chance to win $10,000 if they shot a hole-in-one – courtesy of Mamma’s Brick Oven Pizza & Pasta. They could also participate in other course challenges for small donations. Tickets to a 50/50 raffle were also being offered. Adult beverages were sold.
Businesses and others had purchased advertising “Tee signs” that were placed at holes throughout the course. Following the event, many retail operators display them in their windows to show their support of the city’s float.
Following the tournament, golfers enjoyed lunch provided by Mamma’s Brick Oven Pizza & Pasta.
Vlacich then announced the three winning foursomes and presented them with plaques. The foursome consisting of Rob Claure, Bryce Quinn, David Sanchez, and Jason Gautereaux won first place. Second-place winners and awarded second place were Michael Giamo, Richard Asao, Ryan Asao, and Chris Hertz. Third-place winners were Tyler Borrello, Jayson Sanchez, Dylan Martinez, and Steve Martinez. Ann VerKuilen won the golfer closest to the pin, women’s category and the 50/50 purse of $272. Peter Ryan won for the men’s category.
The event’s Platinum sponsor was Shaw, Moses, Mendenhall & Associates. Gold sponsors were Mike Azat representing Azat Law Group; Alberto Ocon, representing Farmers Insurance; Ray Schwantner, RV Super Stores; Joshua Aguilera, South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Construction Team; and Alan Vlacich. Gold sponsors donated $700, which entitled them to two tee signs and the entrance fee, lunch, and raffle tickets for eight golfers. Nearly a dozen Silver sponsors donated $400 for one tee sign and the same prizes for a foursome.
Names of all sponsors will appear on the organization’s website (www.sptor.org), said Vlacich, and will be printed on a large banner that will hang along the sides of the gigantic tent that houses the float-in-progress from August to January at the War Memorial Building.
“This is one of our most important fundraisers of the year,” remarked Ed Donnelly, now in his second year as SPTOR President, and “we’re all happy to have had such a great turnout.”
