CAREGIVERS “Chari-Tee” Putt Putt Golf Tournament: A Celebration of Charity, Community, and Creativity

For further information contact:
Port of Hueneme Contact: Adam Vega
Community Outreach & Legislative Specialist
avega@Portofh.org

City of Port Hueneme Contact: James Vega
City Manager
jvega@ci.port-hueneme.ca.us
(805)986-6518

[PORT HUENEME, CA] – The rain didn’t detract from the fun of the Annual Channel Islands Gulls “Chari-Tee” Putt Putt Golf Tournament was held in the scenic Silver Strand neighborhood for its fifteenth year in a row. This one-of-a-kind event was supported by contributions from the Port of Hueneme and City of Port Hueneme’s Community Benefit Fund (CBF) to support the local Ventura County nonprofit CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly. The Strand Bar & Grill, Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant, The Beachcomber Tavern, La Jenelle Cafe and The Strandwich worked together in helping bring the day’s festivities to reality with Stark Realty hosting Oxnard Local Artists who dedicated a portion of their proceeds to help support volunteer caregiving.

“The work of CAREGIVERS in providing support for Ventura County’s senior population is of critical importance,” said Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners. “The Port is honored to be able to sponsor this event and continue in our mission to enrich our community!”

Golfer shows off their hole-in-one putt.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our sponsors the Port & City of Hueneme and the entire Silver Strand neighborhood,” said Tammy Glenn, Executive Director of CAREGIVERS. “This event not only raises much-needed funds but also brings awareness to the critical work we do, the energy and dedication of all the volunteers and participants make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.”

Residents from across the Silver Strand neighborhood hosted players on a variety of personally designed putting greens which spanned throughout residents’ yards, driveways, and even living rooms. The Grand Marshalls of this year’s tournament were Silver Strand residents, Jason Hodge, Secretary of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Harbor Commissioners, and Fiona Ma, California State Treasurer.

“My wife and I are grateful to be the Grand Marshalls of this year’s tournament,” said Commissioner Hodge. “This unique event allows our local community to express their creativity and become closer through supporting the impactful work of CAREGIVERS.”

A successful swing brings big celebration.

The event got underway at Pacific Rim Realtors in the Channel Islands Beach area before participants made their way to Silver Strand to begin putting. Participants putt their way through a series of uniquely decorated golf holes, with many riding their bikes or holiday themed golf carts to speed up play.

“Events like the ‘Chari-Tee’ Mini Golf Tournament showcase the spirit of collaboration and which is so special to our coastal community,” said Misty Perez, Mayor of the City of Port Hueneme. “We are proud to support CAREGIVERS in their mission to assist the elderly, and this event is a testament to our collective efforts to make a positive impact.”

One especially detailed hole was in the courtyard of Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director of the Port of Hueneme. “I am thrilled to be here representing both the Port of Hueneme and my local Silver Strand neighborhood,” Decas said. “The Port’s community-centered approach closely aligns with the mission of CAREGIVERS, and we thank and support them for the tremendous work they do for Ventura County’s senior community.”

Mayor of the City of Port Hueneme, Misty Perez (left), presents CBF check to Tammy Glenn (center), Executive Director of CAREGIVERS, alongside Stacy Lange (right), Chief Commercial & Public Affairs Officer of the Port of Hueneme.

The day came to close with a lively BBQ at the Pacific Rim Realtors building, where participants and community members gathered to celebrate the success of the tournament and present this year’s Wanda Pirkle Award, honoring the invaluable and everlasting community work of Wanda Mae Pirkle in the Silverstrand neighborhood, to Johnny Everett for his unwavering dedication and commitment to his community. During the BBQ, a joint check presentation by the Port & City of Hueneme was held as part of the Community Benefit Fund (CBF), symbolizing the strong partnership between the two agencies the community gathered to close out the day celebrating

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About CAREGIVERS

Founded in 1984 with a grant from the Interfaith Council on Aging and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet developed a community-based model to meet a growing need in the United States. Today, CAREGIVERS serves hundreds of seniors throughout all of Ventura County – one of the largest aging populations in the Nation! CAREGIVERS provides non-medical, in-home support services and transportation for homebound, frail elders, preventing their premature placement into board and care facilities and making it possible for them to continue to live in the comfort and security of their own homes.

About the City of Port Hueneme

The City of Port Hueneme (pronounced “Why-nee-mee”) is a unique community along Ventura County’s Gold Coast just south of the City of Oxnard and Channel Islands Harbor. Port Hueneme is unique because of its rich history, culture, and traditions, dating back to the Chumash Indians who made their home here for centuries and because of its long-established, close relationship with the Port, U.S. Navy’s Port Hueneme and Point Mugu naval facilities. For more information visit: https://www.ci.port-hueneme.ca.us/

About the Port of Hueneme

The Port of Hueneme is one of the most productive and efficient commercial trade gateways for niche cargo on the West Coast. Five locally elected Port Commissioners govern the Port. The Port consistently ranks among the top ten U.S. ports for automobiles and fresh produce. Port operations support the community by bringing $2.8 billion in economic activity and creating 24,997 trade-related jobs. Trade through the Port of Hueneme generates more than $236 million in direct and related state and local taxes, which fund vital community services. In 2017, the Port of Hueneme became the first port in California to become Green Marine certified and was voted the Greenest Port in the U.S. at the Green Shipping Summit. www.portofh.org.

To learn more about the Community Benefit Fund visit: https://www.portofhueneme.org/cbf.