VICTOR WRIGHT GOLF TOURNAMENT A GREAT SUCCESS

By Raina Martinez

Altadena Mountain Views - Page 1

Thursday, July 5-July 11, 2001

On Friday, June 29, the first annual golf tournament for the benefit of Altadena resident Victor Wright was held at Brookside Golf Course in Pasadena. Wright was left quadriplegic playing football for Muir High School in a game against St. Francis High School in 1976.

Although Wright received a financial settlement after his injury the settlement figure has now been surpassed by a heavy financial burden. At their 20-year high school reunion, classmate David Rutherford and other friends decided on a fund-raising effort to assist Wright and his family. The golf tournament was started.

The tournament was followed by a luncheon and awards ceremony at Brookside. The master of ceremonies for the event was Altadena resident Beverly White of NBC Channel 4 News.

"I am moved by the event," White said. "I met Victor for the first time today and I could see how special he is by the way his friends and family support him. It is a testament to the power of family and good friends.

Attendees included Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca along with many others from his department, as well as Muir High School alumni and community friends of Victor and his family.

Wright was accompanied by seven of his eight brothers and sisters but mother Dorothy was unable to attend due to hospitalization a week before the event. Wright's father Don remained at the hospital with his wife.

"It is wonderful knowing that the community cares and it is great to see all the support we have received," said Joseph Wright, one of Victor's brothers.

Rutherford reminisced with the audience about his memories of Victor being a fierce competitor in school sports and a person of strong character. "This was a chance for Victor to be honored and it meant a lot to him," said Rutherford.

Rutherford, Along with his stepbrother and co-organizer Nick Macias, emceed the second half of the ceremony, which included awards and raffle prizes donated by local vendors and businesses.

On Saturday, Rutherford presented Wright with a check for nearly $2,408 raised at the golf tournament with additional donations still to come. He is encouraged by the momentum of the first golf benefit and is looking forward to organizing next year's tournament.

Donations may be sent for Victor Wright care of the City of Industry Lions Club, P.O. Box 3485, City of Industry, CA 91744.

SECOND ARTICLE

OVERCOMING HANDICAP

Golfers hit green for paralyzed former high school player

By Eric Terrazas

Staff Writer

The Sunday Star (published by San Gabriel Valley Newspaper Group)

July 8, 2001 - Page 3

Local golfers took swings for a good cause June 29 at the Victor Wright Benefit Golf Tournament, held at Brookside Golf Course in Pasadena.

The event's proceeds will benefit Wright, a former John Muir High School football player who has been paralyzed from the neck down since 1976. Wright, 40, of Altadena, suffered the injury during a 1976 game against St. Francis High.

The tournament, presented by the Pasadena Host Lions Club and the City of Industry Lions Club, raised a total of $3,408 and attracted approximately 70 golfers, according to event co-organizer David Rutherford.

"We had a great turnout," said Rutherford. "We had a tremendous outpouring of support. A lot of people signed up at the last minute. Much of the support came from individuals and community businesses."

Nick Macias, event co-organizer and tournament chairman, added, "It was a great event and it was for a great cause. Hopefully, it can double next year."

The foursome of Macias, Ron Hobbs, Ray Duffy and Scott Maltasuto took first place overall. In the women's division, first place was captured by Doris LaCour, Jackie Newman, Cosetta Heard and Natalie Macias, who is Nick's wife.

A luncheon was held after the tournament at the Mediterranean Room of Brookside Golf Course. KNBC reporter Beverly White emceed and Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca paid a visit. Wright, who appeared at the luncheon, said he was thankful for the people's support.

"Well, I am just really grateful and appreciative for their participation," he said. "I am thankful for the Lions Club and David Rutherford for making all the arrangements and for setting everything up."

Michael Guitron, 26, of El Monte, said he enjoyed the chance to participate.

"It feels good to contribute to a good cause," said Guitron, who works at Pacific Clinics in Pasadena. "The CEO of our company invited us to play."

Rutherford said the event's success has boosted chances to hold future tournaments.

"We're thinking about doing this on a regular basis," said Rutherford. "I think the success of this tournament has inspired us to pursue future tournaments. It was not just the money raised but the message delivered to the public that a lot of people really care for Victor and we want that to continue."

Organizers said that donations to Wright could be sent to the City of Industry Lions Club, Memo: Victor Wright Golf Tournament, P.O. Box 3485, City of Industry, CA 91744.