FACE Foundation raises $163,500 for local pets, families and veterans

The Foundation for Animal Care and Education (FACE) hosted its 7th annual Invitational Golf Tournament Nov. 12, raising over $163,500 to benefit San Diego pets in need of life-saving veterinary care. The tournament was held at Lomas Santa Fe Country Club in Solana Beach. A unique twist to the average golf tournament, players brought their pups onto the course for a great day of fun with their best furry friends. Special VIP guests MLB legend Fred Lynn and PGA Major Tournament Champion Corey Pavin joined the golfers to discuss technique and hit off a few balls alongside them. Pavin says, “What I admire about FACE is the respect they have for the bond between owner and pet. Their willingness to provide excellent medical care for the pets is second to none.”

In celebration of Veterans Day, FACE’s golf tournament was dedicated to service men, women and dogs. After the tournament, guests enjoyed dinner with special grantee guests Luis and Jax, a veteran and service-dog pair who were hit by a drunk driver in February. Thankfully, FACE was able to assist the two in their time of need. The night was full of surprises for Jax and Luis – first, California Highway Patrol Officer Jessica Burger made a surprise appearance at the event - this is the first time that Luis had seen Burger since the tragic accident.

In honor of Jax and Luis, local Apache artist Ruben Chato Hinojosa, who served in the US Navy for 10 years, donated a beautiful painting of Jax for the live auction. The painting was sold for over $2,000. The best part – the winner of the auction item gifted the painting back to Luis! Jax and Luis’ story was shared as a special video premiered at the event, which is now available on FACE’s YouTube channel and website.

Additionally, a San Diego detective surprised major sponsors and board members Ira and Cini Robb with a commemorative plaque of the skyline of San Diego as a thank you to the pair’s generosity and friendship to the San Diego Police Department’s K9 Division.

The funds raised from this event will be going directly towards saving pets and families.

Major event sponsors for this year’s tournament include Carlsbad Golf Center, Evolve Physical Therapy, The Daniel B. & Florence E. Green Foundation, and Ira and Cini Robb.

Those looking for information about future event sponsorships or making a tax-deductible donation can contact FACE by calling 858-450-3223, visiting www.face4pets.org, or emailing events@face4pets.org. --News release