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Santiago Canyon College’s Hawks Golf Tournament benefits student vets

April 8, 2026

Generous community members spent a sunny afternoon driving, putting and chipping for a wonderful cause when they participated in the annual Santiago Canyon College Hawks Golf Tournament, which took place March 27 at the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club. For the second year in a row, the event benefited the college’s Veterans Resource Center, which furnishes all manner of support for veteran and military-affiliated SCC students.

“There is a lot of support for veterans in the community,” said Kathy Jennison, executive director of the SCC Foundation, a nonprofit that raises funds and increases public knowledge of the college and all that it does for its students and the community. “Who doesn’t want to support veterans?”

The tournament was created thanks to an idea from a local legend. “Former Rams NFL quarterback Vince Ferragamo, one of our Foundation board members, first recommended it,” Jennison said. “He’s friends with one of Arroyo Trabuco’s general managers. Vince said, ‘I love that course. We’ve had many good fundraisers there. It’s a really beautiful venue.’ ”

Teammates look on while Cole Henderson lines up a putt during the Santiago Canyon College Foundation Golf Tournament at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Course in Mission Viejo on Friday, March 27, 2026. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Geoffrey Frost, a Santiago Canyon College Psychology Student and retired Marine who served at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro as a mechanic for an F18 squadron, accompanied by his service dog, Ringo, speaks about his experience with school’s Veterans Resource Center (VRC) at a reception following the Santiago Canyon College Foundation Golf Tournament, benefiting the VRC, on Friday, March 27, 2026. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

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In Mission Viejo, the 240-acre Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club was designed by PGA Tour professional Tom Lehman and local course architect Casey O’Callaghan. Trabuco Creek serves as a lateral hazard on seven of the championship-length course’s 18 holes, and on-course lakes are located at three holes.

In addition to a round of traditional golf, the event included an array of separate challenges, including putting, longest drive and closest to the pin contests. “And every hole on the course included two photos of an SCC student veteran,” Jennison said, “one from when they were in the service, in their military apparel, and the other showing how they appear as a student.”

Along with primary presenting sponsor Merit Wealth Management, generous support came from F&M Bank, the Orange County Department of Education, the Vince Ferragamo Foundation and South Coast Plaza, as well as the L.A. Rams, Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Football Club. A variety of valuable items were auctioned off to help raise funds, including a football and a jersey signed by Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and linebacker Jared Verse, respectively, a gift card from South Coast Plaza, wine from Vince Ferragamo Vineyards, tickets to Rams games, a Fan Appreciation Night package from the Ducks and much more.

Jennison stressed the positive impact of the funds raised by the tournament.

“For example, we had a student veteran with a young daughter who’d had his electricity and water shut off for two weeks,” she said. “We used some of the proceeds from last year’s tournament to cut him a check for a few thousand dollars, so he could focus on his school. Then there are situations where student veterans don’t get their VA benefits during the gaps between semesters. So funds have been used to supplement those who can’t afford to pay their expenses during this time.”

Last year’s Hawks Golf Tournament netted $40,000 for SCC student veterans, and the venue was a big hit. “The Santiago Canyon College board of directors were very happy with everything,” said Alyson Gabaldon, Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club’s catering director. “They said that everyone enjoyed the course, which was in mint condition, and they thought that the fundraiser was very successful.”

The SCC Foundation benefits far more than student veterans on campus. Along with funds that support students directly through scholarships for fees and books, the Foundation helps support campus programs, services and projects that aren’t typically funded by the state or need additional financial help. To give to the SCC Foundation, visit sccollegefoundation.org/ways-to-give.

Santiago Canyon College’s Hawks Golf Tournament benefits student vets Orange County Register

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Santiago Canyon College’s Hawks Golf Tournament benefits student vets

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