Santa Ana College Supporters Come Together to Support Student Athletes in 2020 Virtual Ed Arnold Golf Classic

Posted: May 22, 2020

Santa Ana, Calif. – This year, the Ed Arnold Golf Classic went virtual. But that didn't stop the Santa Ana College supporters and friends from providing an outpouring of support for their student athletes.

With the help of a dedicated community, the Santa Ana College Foundation continued its mission of ensuring that no student is denied educational opportunities due to financial constraints. In the midst of a global pandemic, the Foundation acknowledged that student athletes and programs need continued support. Lead sponsor Craig Realty Group, as well as other sponsors, remained committed to supporting the mission of this event.

"It is very gratifying to see all of our sponsors stand with us, despite the many hardships that everyone has had to face due to COVID-19," said Steven Craig of lead sponsor Craig Realty Group.

Due to the generosity of the Ed Arnold Golf Classic supporters, almost $68,000 was raised for students this year. Even more exciting, with the cancellation of the physical event, at least 95 cents of every dollar raised will be given directly to students who are looking to continue their education at Santa Ana College or transfer to the university of their choice to continue their athletic and scholastic endeavors.

The Ed Arnold Golf Classic has grossed over $1.3 million over the past 15 years. Over the past 11 years, funds raised from the Ed Arnold Golf Classic have provided critical student scholarships, equipment to sports programs, uniforms, and facilities improvements to Santa Ana College totaling over $460,000.

"This year we want to especially thank the many individuals and businesses who came together to support our student athletes at Santa Ana College," said Ken Purcell, chairman of the Santa Ana College Foundation. "Many people rallied behind our students as they continue their education and transfer to colleges such as UCR, Northridge, Florida National University, Jackson State, and more. The money raised supports scholarships for these students, as well as athletic programming at the college."

Proceeds from the 2020 Ed Arnold Golf Classic increase scholarships for student athletes transferring to universities, support the Santa Ana College Athletic Department, and support the development of the Santa Ana College Athletic Hall of Fame.

The event was presented by the Santa Ana College Foundation and the college's Athletics & Kinesiology Department. Supporters include:

Title Sponsor: Steven Craig, Craig Realty Group
Cart Sponsor: Parker Kennedy, The First American Financial Corporation
Scholarship Sponsor: Wylie A. Aitken, Aitken, Aitken, Cohn
Green Sponsor: Kristin Crellin, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union
Silent Auction/Contest Sponsor: Greg Miller, Cal Empire Engineering, Inc.
Dinner Sponsor: Victor Villegas & Rossina Gallegos, Union Bank
Gift Sponsor: Ron Beeler, Facilities Planning & Program Services
Photography Sponsor: Cristal Gonzalez, Garden Grove Hospital
Goodie Bag Sponsor: Bryan A. Gutierrez, Citizens Business Bank
Lunch Sponsor: Donnie Crevier, Crevier Classic Cars
19^th Hole Sponsor: Sarah Carr, McCarthy Building Companies
Contest Hole Sponsors: Dr. Al Mijares and Heather Burrows, Orange County Department of Education; and Juan Arreola, Farmers & Merchants Bank
Front 9 & Back 9 Sponsors: Gayle Peterson, National Sports Apparel; Cheryl & Jim West; Ed & Dixie Arnold; and Celeste Campbell, Sehi Computer Products
Tee Sign Sponsors: Jaymie Baquero, SAC Women's Soccer; Don Bernal, HVAC Air Command; Sean & Patrice Blue; Greg Gonzales, SAC Welding Department; Dick Gorrie; Doug Manning & Mary Hegarty, SAC Athletics & Kinesiology; and Eddie Hernandez
Virtual Golfers & Foursomes: Norman Fujimoto; David Garofalo, HB Auto Dealers; Juan Gonzalez, SoCal Gas Company; Art Johnson, Goldwyn Enterprises; Dr. Erlinda Martinez; Darren Nelson, BSN Sports; Don Orr; Dana & Susan Pagett; Al & Carol Preusch; Ken Sill; Dave Sturrock; and Mark Wiederkehr
Opportunity Drawing Tickets & Donations: Carmen Alba; Yaeiry Alba; Christina Axtell; Hillary Barker; Steve Bautista; Alyssa Beach; Sarah Bennett; Kyla Benson; Matthew Beyersdorf; Ashly Bootman; Lorena Chavez; Renee Chesley; Curtis Childress; Victor Cota; Juan Gonzalez; Mark Hardtke; Zeke Hernandez, RSCCD Board of Trustees; Geoff Jones; Brian Kehlenbach; Isaac Lomeli; Janice Love; Daniel Marquez; Kimberly Mathews; Teresa Mercado-Cota; William Nguyen; Celia Perez; Gayle Peterson, National Sports Apparel; Raul Quinonez; Jennifer Ramirez; Mark Reynoso; Reina Sanabria; Karen Scott; Richard Strayer; Mike Talbot; Michael Taylor; and Charles Walling
Opportunity Drawing Sponsors: Harry & Eva Lowenstein, Affinity Jewelers; Anaheim Councilwoman Denise Barnes; Michael Fuhr; John Machiaverna, JMAC Jewelers; Paul Kott Realtors; La Chiquita Mexican Restaurant; Tim Mead; Newport Rib Co.; Adam O'Connor; Sylvano Ibay & Chef Bruno Serrato; and Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu

About Craig Realty Group
Craig Realty Group, title sponsor, is a full-service real estate development and management company founded by Steven L. Craig. A leader in the development and management of high income-producing, upscale factory outlet centers, they offer quality brand name merchandise in architecturally-rich environments that offer shoppers accessibility and convenient, attractive amenities. The company owns, operates and manages nearly five million square feet of existing retail development that includes 15 centers in eight states across the U.S. including the Citadel and the Outlets at San Clemente.