Sponsors sought for Wounded Heroes Golf Classic

The third annual Wounded Heroes Golf Classic will be held Monday, Aug. 16 at JW Marriott Hill Country Resort’s TPC Golf Club.  Organizers are still seeking sponsors, volunteers, silent auctions items and golfers for this event, which benefits non-profit organizations serving the needs of our wounded soldiers.

“These are our sons, daughters, sisters, husbands and wives who are protecting our country,” says committee chair J.D. Damian.  “It’s a wonderful way to give back.”

Formed by a group of individuals who wanted to thank our soldiers returning from war, the Wounded Heroes Golf Classic was first held at the Canyon Springs Golf Club in 2008, then at the Westin La Cantera in 2009.  At the initiation of the JW Marriott Resort the event will be moved yet again to the prestigious TPC course, which recently hosted the PGA’s Valero Texas Open. 

“We have been very blessed,” Damian says of the resort’s initiation.  “It’s a beautiful course.  This is the best you can get.”

Damian hopes to max out at 288 golfers and raise $60,000 at this year’s classic.  Proceeds will benefit the Fort Sam Houston Fisher House, which provides a “home away from home” for families of military members receiving medical care.

Monies will also be donated to the Texas Military Family Access Project, which helps Iraqi war veterans and their families access health and human services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  The toll-free 2-1-1 hotline offers assistance with financial or legal questions, marital problems, employment, depression, drug or alcohol abuse, child care, food and shelter and more.

“As a Navy veteran and chairman I’m honored [today’s] veterans are treated better than I was during Vietnam,” says Damien.  But, the community’s support and sponsorships are still needed.  “We definitely need Stone Oak’s help.”

Corporate sponsorships range from $100 to $15,000.  The tournament will begin with registration, breakfast and silent auction at 6 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 7:30 a.m.  A live auction, lunch, awards ceremony and after tournament play will begin at 1 p.m. 

“The key is to bring together health services and community support programs that promote self-management and healthier lifestyles for veterans with disabilities,” Damian adds.  “The event will also recognize those who inspire, support and mentor those that have sacrificed so much for our freedom.”

For sponsorship information, contact Damian at 381-7492 or sucasadamian@aol.com or co-chair Chickie Backhaus at 615-4000 or ChickieB@independencehill.com.  For player registration, contact Shane Eastman at 286-5757 or Shane_E_Eastman@yahoo.com.  Donations may be made payable to the 3rd Annual American Wounded Heroes Golf Classic and mailed to PO Box 380691, San Antonio, Texas 78268.

General information can also be found at www.americanwoundedheroesgolfclassic.com.