Business Jet Cares Raises Record $104K for Veterans and First Responders at 10th Annual Golf Tournament
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This year Business Jet Cares, Inc., a Business Jet 501(c)(3), has done it again! On November 3, 2023, Business Jet Cares hosted its 10th Annual Charity Golf Tournament along with their third annual VIP Concert the night before the tournament featuring Texas Country’s own, Coston Cross. Through these efforts, Business Jet Cares raised $104,000 for Folds of Honor Foundation and Patriot PAWS Service Dogs, two non-profit organizations dedicated to giving back to our nation’s military, first responders, and their families through educational scholarships and providing trained service dogs of the highest quality.
Hosted at the elite Texas Rangers Golf Club in Arlington, TX, the tournament kicked off with breakfast on the patio, followed by a putting contest. At 10:00 am, the 144 golfers headed out for a shotgun start where they participated in various games and competitions throughout the course. The day also included a plethora of giveaways, snacks, music by DJ Astronaut and specialty drinks all thanks to the many sponsors. Golfers hit the on-course highlights including a new event featuring a drone carrying golf balls to the green, dropped by the players. The golf tournament also boasts a Beat the Pro experience where participants tried to shoot closer to the pin than pro golfer, Julie Houston-Bigler. Another favorite was the Cannon, whereby donating, the players get the chance to shoot their golf ball 400 yards out of a custom launcher onto the green. While participants enjoyed the many activities, the real highlight of the tournament was the Patriot Paws Service Dogs’ puppies-in-training that joined out on the course to mingle with the golfers and pose for photos!
An awards ceremony and home-smoked BBQ dinner concluded the tournament with special guest speakers from both of the philanthropic beneficiaries, including Chad Moyer a veteran and recipient of the Folds of Honor scholarship, and Sarah Mathers the Development Coordinator from Patriot PAWS. Both speakers shared personal testimonies on how each charity has assisted and changed their own lives as well as the many lives of veterans and their families. To end the evening, various prizes and raffle items were awarded.
“As we come off of our 11th year of Business Jet Cares and our 10th Annual Charity Golf Tournament, I cannot help but be blown away. When our employees dreamt up a way to give back to the community, we had no idea what it would become. With the blessing of our ownership, we took a chance and a leap, and the return for veterans and their families has been incredible. The aviation community shows up each and every year to support our cause and it is through that support, this tournament has truly become one of the most anticipated events of the year! I am so pleased to say that with this year’s funds included, we have raised $700,000 for veteran charities! We cannot wait to see what the next 10 years brings!” - Cat Wren, Tournament Coordinator and Business Jet CXO
In addition to the Annual Golf Tournament, Business Jet Cares partners with a Dallas elementary school each year for A Christmas to Remember to support local families that may not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy the holiday season. In this twelfth year, Business Jet Cares assisted six families from the elementary school and four additional families from a Dallas high school, supporting 30 children in total. Business Jet Cares volunteers purchased, wrapped and delivered hundreds of Christmas wishes for these families in addition to much-needed cleaning supplies, furniture, cookware, clothing, and more. This is all thanks to the contributions of the business aviation community as well as businesses in the Dallas area, employee donors, and volunteers.