THE 11TH ANNUAL GOLF CHARITY EVENT
By Harrison J. Bahe
The Yavapai News | hjbahe@fmyn.org | (480) 789 – 7124
On December 15, 2025, the Yavapai Indian Foundation hosted its 11th Annual Golf Charity Event at the We-Ko-Pa Golf Club. The tournament featured 36 foursomes competing on the award-winning Saguaro Course, with a shotgun start and scramble format.
Presented by The Mahoney Group, Kitchell Construction, We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, and the Yavapai Indian Foundation, the event was a complete success, selling out all 36 team slots. With temperatures reaching an unseasonably warm 80 degrees, golfers enjoyed sweeping views of Red Mountain and the Four Peaks, surrounded by the course’s pristine desert scenery and lush green fairways.
Alongside the tournament, a raffle offered participants the chance to win a variety of high-profile prizes, including a guitar signed by Alice Cooper, an Eric Dickerson–autographed football, a Charles Barkley–signed basketball, and a Tracy Lawrence–autographed guitar. Additional prizes included golf-related giveaways such as course foursomes, golf shoes, and Bettinardi putters.
Proceeds from the event support the Yavapai Indian Foundation, which experienced a highly successful year funding initiatives throughout the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. These efforts included providing iPads for high school graduates, purchasing a warming wagon to deliver meals to tribal elders, and hosting the Yavapai Village during the 2025 Orme Dam Victory Days celebration.
“The foundation raises these funds to go towards tribal members here at Fort McDowell, youth and elders,” said Yavapai Indian Foundation President Raphael Bear. Bear also extended special thanks to the foundation’s team: Roddy Pilcher, Alicia Balderaz, Imogene Hosay, Clissene Lewis, and Misty Porter.
The event concluded with the announcement of tournament winners. Taking third place were Dave Faccio, Travis Babgy, Thomas Parrazzo, and Nick Rodriguez. Second place went to local golfers Tyson Lewis, Kaleb Doka, Kolby Doka, and Elias De La Cruz. First place honors were claimed by Kevin Montoya, Joey Sanchez, Jordon Herrington, and Ryan Bradley.
As 2025 comes to a close, the Yavapai Indian Foundation is already preparing for an active 2026, with plans for its second annual charity meal, a river cleanup initiative, and the 12th Annual Golf Charity Event. We’ll see you next year!
