Each year, nonprofits are asked to submit an application that outlines how they intend to spend a $10,000 grant if they are one of the deserving recipients. There were a variety of requests as diverse as the organizations and their missions.

John Lucero Jr. founded Semper Fi Sports in 2016 to help fellow veterans find a meaningful purpose by mentoring and coaching student athletes. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 22 years, retiring in 2006. Coaching youth sports gave him a purpose he needed and he realized it could do the same for other veterans. “I have always tried to do everything myself and I finally realized I need help. We are grateful to the Soboba Foundation for helping us help veterans and student athletes,” Lucero said. “We have many projects we would like to accomplish. First, we are going to provide hygiene and comfort items to veterans in VA hospitals in the surrounding areas where our members are located. Next, we plan on donating food and other essentials to homeless veterans in our areas. We are going to purchase equipment and uniforms for student athletes who cannot afford what they need to play in front of college coaches.”

More than 60 student athletes that were members of the travel sports teams sponsored through Semper Fi Sports have received sports scholarships to some of the country’s most prestigious universities such as West Point Military Academy, Harvard, Columbia and Berkeley.

“However, it’s the recognition to our veterans that I feel has made the biggest impact – from a simple handshake and thank you for their service to providing comfort items and meals to them,” Lucero said. “I started this organization because I as a veteran struggled and went to a dark place of suicide ideations, gestures and homelessness. We have a saying in our organization, ‘We play for those who gave their all for us,’ and that applies the other way around as well because we as veterans gave our all so you could play and live a life full of opportunities.”

COVID-19 paused the nonprofit’s efforts but Lucero is hoping the student athletes and veterans will be able to interact again by summer.

Care-A-Van Transit has been offering vital, specialized transportation services to those in need since 1994. It was founded for the specific purpose of addressing the unmet needs of seniors, veterans and disabled and low-income individuals who reside in the San Jacinto Valley.

“We provide much needed transportation for doctors’ appointments, grocery shopping and most recently we have begun taking our seniors to be vaccinated against COVID-19,” Program Coordinator Paula Adey said. “Due to COVID, more vulnerable individuals need access to basic needs such as food banks, testing and vaccines and Care-A-Van provides access for those services as well as delivering food to homebound seniors during the pandemic.”

The organization can get funding for handicap-accessible vehicles through CalTrans 5310 and Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) Measure A funding if it has community support for operations.

“The Soboba Foundation’s support helps meet this requirement for matching funds to continue operations to provide this free service. Transportation is the most overlooked asset out there. Not everyone has the luxury of having a car or even a driver’s license. Some people can’t afford taxis, UBER or even the bus. And some people are unable to get into cars or walk to bus stops. That’s where Care-A-Van steps in,” Adey said. “We are looking forward to having another 27 years so we can continue to meet the needs of our community. We thank the Soboba Foundation for giving us this amazing support to help us with our mission of ‘Transportation with a Heart.’ We couldn’t do it without them.”

Ronnie Imel has been assisting fellow veterans for the past 25 years. In 2015, he and his wife Sally founded a nonprofit to continue his advocacy work and named it Veterans Paying It Forward (VPIF). Ronnie Imel served in the Vietnam War and was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 2017. He knew firsthand that veterans often return home with injuries sustained in service to their country but don’t know how to navigate the maze of paperwork required to file claims with the Veterans Administration.

“VPIF is an advocacy group that specializes in helping veterans file claims relating to service-connected disabilities. We have been able to get claims through successfully that had previously been denied by the VA. We’ve been able to successfully move a claim through to completion that has been stalled in the process for years,” Sally Imel said. “We provide access for veterans to other veterans’ resources and agencies such as VA medical care, state veterans agencies and mental health care. We are also connected with nonprofit food banks and we help distribute food to needy veterans and their families.”

Ronnie Imel often traveled to local American Legion and VFW posts to meet with veterans and help them submit completed applications for their deserved compensation. Due to restrictions put in place by the pandemic, these public facilities have been closed but the number of veterans who need assistance has not waned. The Imels have been working from their Mountain Center home while maintaining effective protocols but it has been difficult. That is one of the main reasons VPIF has broken ground on its Veterans Center.

Sally Imel said the grant received from the Soboba Foundation’s charity golf tournament will go toward the construction of a new veterans’ outreach facility that will help serve the community in many ways.

“This project will make our offices accessible to veterans with disabilities as our offices will be on the ground floor, with wheelchair and handicap access,” Sally Imel said. “We also host Veterans’ meetings and dinners. With the increase in the number of veterans that we are serving, we need to increase accessibility and size. Our project will help us expand our ability to serve the veterans and to train more people that will assist us in implementing our mission, and we look forward to more community outreach.”

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians • Contributed

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In these COVID-19 times, nonprofits have faced tougher fundraising efforts than in the past and the Soboba Foundation is hoping this year’s event will help them out. To be considered, each organization must complete and submit a Nonprofit Beneficiary Application to the Sponsorship Coordinator, Andrew Vallejos at avallejos@soboba-nsn.gov no later than 5 p.m. on March 8.

All timely submitted applications will be reviewed by the Soboba Foundation board and those organizations that are deemed appropriate to receive funding will be chosen to be beneficiaries of the ninth annual Soboba Foundation Charity Golf Tournament.

Each of them will be required to promote the tournament in addition to providing volunteers for all days of the event, pending COVID-19 protocols. In the past, the Soboba Foundation has been pleased to award grants to nonprofits such as Boxing for Christ, Cops 4 Kids & Communities, Grandfathers for Golf, Historic Hemet Theatre Foundation, Hemet Unified School District, Ramona Humane Society, San Jacinto Unified School District and T.H.E. Center.

All these groups proposed how they planned to use the funds with many of them implementing new programs to expand their already inclusive services to the community.

For more information about the Soboba Foundation or to download an application, please visit www.soboba-nsn.gov/sponsorship.

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians • Contributed

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To honor her daughter on what would have been her 21st birthday, Tichy has organized a LifeStream blood drive in San Jacinto from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 31. She is asking everyone to give the gift Cassi would have wanted: the gift of life to others.

“I heard about this young ballerina who has survived the disease and started a nonprofit called Wings for Ewing Sarcoma,” said Tichy, of Hemet. “For each donation, LifeStream will allocate $10 to the nonprofit. This blood drive will help so many. There is a real shortage in our blood banks right now.”

LifeStream’s website states that there is no known risk to the safety of the nation’s blood supply due to COVID-19 and there are no reports of the spread of this or any respiratory virus, by blood donation. Giving blood is not a risk for donors to contract COVID-19. Misinformation will negatively impact the blood supply.

Wings for Ewing Sarcoma raises funds for research, which is mostly privately funded. Tichy was grateful to find this foundation as she had been trying to find a way to help other families avoid many of the negative experiences she suffered when Cassi first got sick. She is working closely with another mother, Sandra Valle, whose young daughter, Chiara, was diagnosed with the deadly disease in 2018, just a few months before Cassi Tichy succumbed to it.

The partnership between Tichy and the Valles is built on the similarities between their stories. Cassi and Chiara were both very creative, artistic and athletic young women who were sidelined in their teenage years with a diagnosis of Ewing Sarcoma. Both spent years of unnecessary testing and invasive treatments after being misdiagnosed and both spent countless months in harsh cancer treatment at children’s hospitals. Although the families live on opposite sides of the country, the miles shrank when Tichy contacted the organization and offered to host a charity blood drive with $10 per blood donation going directly to Wings for Ewing Sarcoma.

“This is the first time that a blood drive will be done to benefit the foundation,” said Sandra Valle, of New York. “We are very grateful for Ellen’s support of Wings for Ewing Sarcoma and are very excited for this collaboration. I think the blood drive is a wonderful idea to honor Cassi’s life as blood donations are always needed by all pediatric cancer patients. Kids like Cassi and Chiara needed 50+ blood transfusions each during their treatment in order to tolerate the harsh treatment Ewing Sarcoma patients receive.”

Cassi’s passion was art, with an amazing talent that emerged at age two, and skillfully evolved throughout the following years. Chiara Valle has been dancing since she was eight years old.

“Each year my passion for ballet grew more and more and I realized this was something I wanted to do as a career,” said Valle, 22. “Before being diagnosed and after retraining, I was a trainee at The Washington Ballet and was so grateful for the support system they provided me. Currently, I am dancing with City Ballet of San Diego, and am very excited to see what the future has in store for me.”

Diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma at age 19, Valle recently celebrated two years out of treatment.

“Performing and artistry is my favorite part about ballet and being able to tell a story only through movement and expression is a feeling like no other,” she said. “After being diagnosed, I was told that I needed to fully stop ballet while in treatment. Because the cancer was in my femur bone, any stress or fracture to the area, would require immediate amputation. I was fortunate enough to have the tumor remain localized throughout the year and a half I had been dealing with the pain.”

For Cassi, the disease had metastasized from her hip area and after a three-year battle, it had invaded every single bone and organ in her body, except for her heart. She had received over 50 units of blood and platelets during the many months of chemo, and she was grateful to each donor. Cassi and her story were the focus of a highly successful blood drive held in her honor during her senior year at Hemet High School where 200 units were collected.

Sandra Valle said her daughter wanted to start the foundation the moment she learned how outdated the protocol was.

“At the time of her diagnosis, we learned that even with the advancements in many cancers there was no targeted therapy for Ewing Sarcoma,” said Valle, of New York. “The only choice she had was chemo of the worst kind. The chemotherapy protocol used for treating Ewing Sarcoma has not changed in 30+ years and neither has the survival rate. We quickly realized that Ewing Sarcoma is so rare that not enough research is going into this ‘Orphan Disease.’ The main mission of the foundation is to raise funds for Ewing Sarcoma research.”

Ellen Tichy and Sandra Valle share the same goal to bring more awareness to this disease and encourage all parents to treasure every moment they can spend with their children.

“We need a cure for Ewing Sarcoma and all childhood cancers,” Valle said. “No family should have to go through this. Ultimately when you see your child fighting for their life, other things in life become trivial. Live your life daily like it is your last.”

Chiara Valle said, “You will never meet a stronger and kinder heart than a child who has dealt with cancer, and those that I met during treatment serve as a constant reminder to being able to do anything you put your heart to. Don’t take advantage of the little moments and be present in the moment.”

When she founded the nonprofit organization in May of 2019, Valle included a butterfly into the foundation’s logo, as a yellow butterfly is the symbol for Ewing Sarcoma and all types of bone cancer.

“Butterflies played a huge symbolic importance to me throughout treatment and continue to remain close to my heart,” she said. “Butterflies can spread their wings and fly, and all childhood cancer patients should have the opportunity to show their wings, making their own impact on this world.”

Valle also made sure to include the name Ewing Sarcoma in the foundation’s title.

“Because it is a rare cancer, I feel part of the lack of awareness stems from the fact that people don’t hear its name enough,” she said.

Cassi’s birthday will be a celebration with refreshments, donor gifts, artists and more to keep donors entertained while they are waiting to give the gift of life.

“Wear yellow and honor the memory of our brave, talented, deeply loved Cassi on her 21st birthday. She was named after the constellation, Cassiopeia, and she continues to shine bright in our hearts and memories,” Tichy said. “This is an opportunity for anyone age 15 or older to help others during this trying year for all of us. This is the last LifeStream blood drive of 2020.”

Blood can be tested for COVID-19 antibodies, so you will know if you can make a future life-saving convalescent plasma donation.

For appointments, please call 800-879-4484 or visit LStream.org. To donate blood in honor of Cassi Tichy, please use code REPLCT21. This code will be effective for future LifeStream blood donations.

Information, wingsforewingsarcoma.org.

-Diane A. Rhodes

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On Friday, March 20, 2020, from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. the Southwest Riverside County Association of REALTORS^® is hosting its 9th-annual Texas Hold’em Charity Event; a fun-filled evening to celebrate over 30 years of service in our community.

This fundraiser supports SRCAR’s Scholarship Foundation’s efforts in awarding $1,000 scholarships, annually, to deserving college-bound high school seniors in the Southwest Riverside County area. In 2019 alone, SRCAR® awarded $28,000 in scholarships to deserving high school seniors.

Tickets to the SRCAR® 2019 Texas Hold’em Event may be purchased for $25.00 per player, which includes $1,000 in chips. Buy backs available. The Grand Prize is a 70″ TV. Food will be available for sale from the Original Dogodog, with menu items ranging from $2 – $10. We will have food runners helping to deliver orders to the card tables and many raffle prizes to choose from throughout the night.

Location: SRCAR, 26529 Jefferson Avenue, Murrieta

We thank the following sponsors for their generous contributions of both time and dollars in order to make this event possible. At the time of this submission, the following companies have sponsored this event:

• Advantage America Insurance
• Black Knight Termite
• Brookfield Residential
• Century 21 Preferred
• Christian Dahlin Lending Team
• Corner Escrow
• CRMLS
• EBS Escrow
• Escrow Leaders
• Generations Escrow
• Heritage Escrow
• myNHD
• Old Republic Home Protection
• Rancon Real Estate
• Watermark Escrow 
  
  Scholarship Foundation Mission Statement: The SRCAR® Scholarship Foundation was established to promote higher education, through granting of annual scholarships to outstanding students in the communities we serve.

The event is open to the public for ages 21 and over. For more information on Sponsorships and to purchase your tickets, contact SOUTHWEST RIVERSIDE COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® at 951-894-2571 or srcar@srcar.org

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Soboba Foundation’s eighth annual Charity Golf Tournament is being planned for March 31 and April 1, and the group’s members are seeking potential beneficiaries. Ten organizations will be chosen from a typically large field of worthy applicants and will receive $10,000 each.

To be eligible, the nonprofit must be located within the San Jacinto Valley. Applications can be requested and submitted by Feb. 1 through Soboba Foundation Sponsorship Coordinator Andrew Vallejos. After careful review by the foundation board, 10 organizations will be designated as beneficiaries of this year’s tournament.

All entrants will be notified in writing of the board’s decision and all chosen organizations will be required to promote the tournament in addition to providing volunteers for both days of the event.

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Tribal Council Vice Chairman and Tournament Director Isaiah Vivanco said the generosity and support of sponsors and partners for this much-anticipated annual event allows the Soboba Foundation to continue assisting those in need in the surrounding communities.

Over the past seven years, the Soboba Foundation Charity Golf Tournament has contributed more than $1 million in support of many local nonprofit organizations throughout Indian Country and Southern California.

The two-day tournament will allow for a maximum of 40 teams per day and availability for each day will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will also receive a reduced room rate opportunity at the Soboba Casino Resort hotel to allow for all guests to enjoy the entirety of the course, the festivities that follow a day on the beautiful Soboba Springs Golf Course and all that the Soboba Casino Resort has to offer.

Sponsorship packages at different levels will provide each player with exciting gifts and giveaways, along with memorable raffle opportunities and an exciting round of golf. The grand prize is a home appliance makeover valued at more than $7,500.

Soboba Foundation President Geneva Mojado credits strong teamwork and excellent organization as the reasons behind the tournament’s continued popularity and success.

“With the terrific amount of support we receive from our business partners and colleagues, we are able to provide local nonprofits with funding for some much-needed projects,” she said. “Additional funds raised from the event go on to support other organizations, events and students throughout the remainder of the year.”

Andrew Vallejos can be reached at avallejos@soboba-nsn.gov or 951-654-2765 extension 4112.

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(HSJ Chamber of Commerce)

The Hemet-San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce Charity Golf Tournament swung into success on November 15^th, 2019.  Several prizes were on the line including a 2019 Mini Cooper and a cash prize of $100,000 for a hole-in-one.

Golfers were treated to beautiful weather and great prizes all for a great cause.

Among those in attendance was 1968 Olympic boxing team member and former NABF Welterweight Champion Armando “The Man” Muniz, who also took part in the charitable event, signing autographs and sharing the story of his amazing career which included 44 wins with 30 knockouts.

“It was a pleasure having everybody out on the golf course.  I see so many people enjoying the unique views,” said HSJ Chronicle’s Richard “The car guy” Perry of VIP Autos, adding, “This event was formed to help small businesses and non-profits which face financial challenges every day.  I’d like to thank the sponsors, advertisers, volunteers and the HSJ Chronicle for taking the opportunity and time to be a part of this event.”

Some of the local businesses that made this event such a success included; Cops4kids and Community, Mount San Jacinto College, VIP Autos (and our contributor Richard “The car guy” Perry, of VIP Autos), Vitality Group, SJ Medical, Quinn’s Automotive and many many more. Citrus Wealth Management participated with 50 golfers to even out the competition. Portions of the proceeds will go to three Non-Profit organizations in the community: which include American Cancer Society-Relay for Life, Veterans Paying It Forward and 102.5 “The Vine” radio. Cyndi Lemke Executive Director of the Hemet San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce credits the Soboba Foundation for being the main source making this event happen.

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Football Tournament at WestValley to benefit the homeless

Darnell Richardson, former West Valley High School standout is hosting a “7on7” Football Tournament at the WVHS this Sunday, November 3.  All proceeds will go to help the local homeless community.

Growing up, Darnell and his friends played football and honed their skills creating bonds with local athletes in order to push themselves to get better. One day, Darnell thought, “What can I do to recreate those childhood memories but also make a difference in the community?” That’s when he got the idea for this tournament.                                                                 

Admission is $2 per spectator and $2 per player. Full teams are welcomed as are individuals. If you don’t have a team but you want to join in on the fun, show up and Darnell Richardson will make sure to put you on a team. All ages are welcome to show up and play the game they love. 

Games will start at 12o’clock and continue until the tournament is finished. Refreshments will also be available for purchase. All the proceeds will be used to create homeless “Care Packages” filled with socks, blankets, toothpaste, deodorant, and other essentials homeless people need to survive the harsh winter.

Donations are more than welcomed. Darnell would love to have a great turn out and have a fun day filled with laughter. There will be a mandatory player’s meeting before the games  begin so everyone knows the rules and expectations. This is meant to be a fun, lighthearted time for everyone.

The old saying, “Football is Family.” reigns true with this tournament.  Richardson is hoping to turn this into a twice a year event to help combat the homeless situation in the valley. To sign up to play/compete, you can text Darnell Richardson at (951) 388-4229.  He will answer any questions you may have.

Let’s all show up and support this worthy cause from a young man trying to make a difference.

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