19th Annual El Camino Heritage Golf Tournament Raises Funds for Adolescent Mental Health Services

As a bagpiper welcomed guests Steve Rossi, John Conover, CEO Tomi Ryba and Lane Melchor, rain did not dampen the spirits of the 140 golfers who teed up for teens at the 19th annual El Camino Heritage Golf Tournament. The event, which was held at Ruby Hill Golf Club in Pleasanton on October 20, raised more than $200,000 for ASPIRE, El Camino Hospital's outpatient adolescent mental health program.

Following a chilly but exhilarating 18 holes on the course, attendees gathered for the celebration dinner, live auction, and fund-in-need appeal. The parent of an ASPIRE graduate spoke movingly of her teenage daughter's downward spiral into anxiety and depression. She described the family's desperate search for effective help, the relief of finding ASPIRE and despair at being placed on a waiting list, and the transformative impact the program ultimately had on the entire family.

Her words inspired spirited bidding on nine live auction packages, which included premium tickets to Sharks, Warriors and 49ers games, a North American cruise, and several golf outings. Nearly everyone raised their paddles for the fund-in-need appeal.

The evening ended on a fun note with the awarding of trophies and a closing video that featured photos from the day.

Fred St. Goar, MD, with Steve Gassani, Mark Gates and Allan Walsworth
Tournament
Mike Jackson, Christophe Jouglet, Martin Vegas and Young Ko