NFL alumni Mervyn Fernandez, John Paye and Jeff Pappas gathered with local golfers last week to raise $5,000 for several Ceres non-profit organizations.
The 1st annual River Classic Golf Tournament was sponsored on Sept. 11 by the River Oaks Golf Course & Event Center, Ceres Chamber of Commerce and SunBelt Rentals.
“We wanted to give back to the community,” said Leon Evans, tournament organizer, Ceres Chamber of Commerce member and SunBelt Rentals branch manager. “This is a great way to do it.”
“We’re going to see if we can continue this every year,” said River Oaks co-owner Pam Thornberry.
A total of $5,000 was raised for Ceres SWAT, Ceres VFW, Ceres Youth Baseball, Ceres Youth Soccer and Howard Prep Training Center.
“These are very meaningful organizations for our community, especially Ceres Youth Baseball and Ceres Youth Soccer,” commented River Oaks co-owner Ryan Thornberry.
“We were already going to donate to them (Ceres Youth Baseball and Ceres Youth Soccer),” Pam Thornberry added. “Then we heard about the city wanting to increase the price for youth players and sports, which motivated us to make this a go. We’re hoping we make enough money to make a difference, especially for the kids. We love our youth. The youth are our future.”
A total of 52 participated in the fundraiser tournament, including Ryan Thornberry, mayoral candidate Gary Condit, Vice Mayor Bret Silveira, and NFL Alumni Mervyn Fernandez, John Paye and Jeff Pappas.
Thornberry teamed up with his father Ken, brother Nick and friend Chad Suydam while Condit teamed up with wife Destiny and friend Jasmine Ryan.
Unable to play due to a shoulder injury, Silveira donated a raffle prize.
Both Condit and Thornberry were standout golfers during their years as Ceres High School students.
“It’s important community members participate in events like this,” said Condit. “The main reason I sponsored a team is because of who the money is going to. It’s a good cause. The youth need all the support they can get.”
Fernandez (Raiders) and Paye (49ers) both played in the tournament.
Pappas (Rams) attended the event on behalf of the NFL. The Hughson resident sold autographed sports memorabilia during the silent auction.
“I live here,” said Pappas, national sales manager for the NFL. “I want to donate my time and help the community out. I’ve done hundreds of them (fundraisers). It’s all about giving back to underprivileged kids.”
The golf tournament got underway at 9 a.m. with teams of at least four players. Brian Chandler, Michael Ferreira, Sam Garcia and Tyler Wilson represented the Ceres Police Department.
The Ram Mechanical employee team won the team trophy.
Justin Stanford (ball drop), Nick Thornberry (longest drive male) and Jasmine Ryan (longest drive female) were individual winners.
A total of 18 volunteers helped out at the event.
Hole sponsors included Stanislaus Latino Chamber of Commerce, Got It Insurance, SC Fuels, Covenant Care, Turlock Nursing Home, Vintage Faire Nursing Home, K&D Thornberry, Alternative Power Solutions, Cal Valley Trucking, Cost Effective Manufacturing, Premier Pavement and Engineering and EOA Trucking.
Donating raffle prizes were Silveira, Keith Meyer, Daniel Martinez, Ceres Police SWAT, Modesto Fire Department, California Landscape Supply, River Oaks Golf, Eleanna Velasquez, Cal Crush, Maxim Equipment, Maurisa with Walmart, Chicken Ranch and Del Rio Golf Course.
Members of the Ceres Lions Club provided breakfast and lunch for all players.
“We were excited to host it,” Ryan Thornberry said. “It means a lot to our family and this community.”
Added River Oaks co-owner Robert Hall: “We expect to grow each year. It’s a good cause.”
