On Monday, May 19, 288 golfers gathered at beautiful Brookside Country Club for Union Station Foundation and KTLA Charities 11th Annual Golf Tournament. This annual fundraiser netted nearly $235,000 for Union Station, the Pasadena-based organization that provides food, shelter and vital social services to homeless and poor men, women and families. The tournament also raised money for KTLA Charities, a fund of the McCormick Tribune Foundation, which supports Union Station and many other local charities. Tournament Co-chairs Jim Hart and Jim Everett of Pasadena provided leadership to a committee of 26 dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly to plan the event.

KTLA Charities has partnered with Union Station for the past 6 years, greatly increasing the fundraising potential for this event by matching a significant portion of the net revenues. KTLA Charities supports organizations in the Los Angeles community that assist in the welfare of children and help alleviate poverty.

Top sponsors of the event included Citigroup, JPMorgan, Merrill Lynch, Santander Central Hispano, Hannah and Russ Kully, Sherry and Andrew Kully, Bear Stearns, Deutsche Bank Securities, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and many more individuals, local businesses and corporations.

“The day could not be more perfect,” said Marvin Gross, Union Station’s Executive Director.
“The weather is beautiful, the course looks great and everyone – golfers, volunteers and staff are having a fantastic time. And we’re so thrilled to have the support of KTLA Charities. Their generosity helps to make the golf tournament bigger and more successful each year.”

Following a day of golf, the guests were treated to a reception which included a silent and live auction, an award ceremony and a brief program. One of Union Station’s graduates gave a very touching and poignant account of his downward-spiraling life prior to seeking help from Union Station. “I had absolutely no self-respect,” he said. “I was dirty, homeless, suicidal and ill from alcohol poisoning. Drinking was my priority.” His remarks drew a standing ovation from the audience – and helped to remind everyone why they were there. “The real winners of this tournament are our clients,” said Marv Gross. “The folks who are courageous enough to seek help and come to Union Station to turn their lives around.”

Now in its 30th Anniversary year, Union Station Foundation remains a model organization dedicated to meeting the needs of the poor and homeless in Pasadena and the greater Los Angeles area. Every year, over 130,000 meals are served and nearly 25,000 nights of shelter are provided to men, women and families. Union Station also provides extensive supportive services to help their clients achieve self-sufficiency and permanently escape life on the streets. In fall 2003, Union Station will open a new Family Center, which will quadruple the number of beds and related services for homeless children and families.