CORNING, CA – The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, through the Paskenta Nomlaki Foundation, recently hosted its sixth annual Wish Upon A Par Charity Golf Tournament. More than 130 golfers attended the day-long tournament held at The Links at Rolling Hills Casino and Resort in Corning, CA, in support of the charity event. Proceeds raised through the event will go directly towards supporting and raising awareness for the Make- A-Wish® Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada chapter. The tribe will make the wishes of six brave recipients diagnosed with critical illnesses come true.
“Our children are the hope and future of our community, and we are ever thankful for our local leaders, sponsors and donors who have supported us year after year to champion our local Make-A-Wish chapter who make our children’s dreams a reality,” said Andrew “Dru” Alejandre, Tribal Chairman of Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians. “In the continued spirit of uplifting and supporting our community through positivity and optimism, we are pleased to reveal the wishes of six recipients bravely fighting for their health and futures with the hope it gives them beautiful memories to cherish.”
Since its inception, the Paskenta Nomlaki Foundation has raised close to $250,000 through its annual Wish Upon A Par Charity Golf Tournament in support of the local Make-A-Wish chapter. It has also granted wishes for more than 30 recipients with a critical illness in the local community. This year, the charity event raised $50,000 in funds from community sponsors, donors, and the more than 130 participating golfers to support Make-A-Wish.
“It is truly a heartwarming experience to see how the tribe and their partners can eagerly come together each year to grant these children’s wishes and be able to grant a wish on-site,” said Vanessa Alvarez, Foundation Coordinator of the Paskenta Nomlaki Foundation. “The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians holds this event close to their hearts and we appreciate each contribution from our partners and sponsors who aid in our endeavor to make wishes come true for the children of Make-A-Wish.”
The Paskenta Nomlaki Foundation also dedicated a special moment during the day-long tournament to surprise a previous recipient whose wish was deferred due to his mother and caretaker falling ill amidst the pandemic. Twenty-year-old Malachi, who has battled with a heart condition since birth, was excited to learn that his long awaited wish to have a shopping spree for film and editing equipment to fulfill his dream career as a filmmaker is being granted. Malachi was invited to attend the tournament, along with his family. To boost support for Malachi, the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians have worked to create a unique experience for Malachi that includes a two-day exclusive, “behind-the-scenes,” all expenses paid trip to Hollywood to meet DGA Director, Harry Karidis, tour a real Hollywood sound stage and recording studio and learn about “making magic” from an industry professional.
The other five children whose wishes will be granted thanks to the efforts of the Wish Upon A Par Charity Golf Tournament include:
- Seven-year-old Baylee has faced a long medical journey since she was diagnosed with leukemia at just seven months old. Handling her intensive treatments with the grace and positive attitude of a true princess, Baylee’s wish is to feel like royalty for a day at her favorite theme park.
- Eight-year-old Emilio was diagnosed with a rare illness affecting his bone marrow two years ago. After a successful bone marrow transplant, Emilio is ready to get back to his hobbies, with his wish being to have his very own “Man Cave Shed” where he can reclaim his childhood in a space that’s all his own for sleepovers, playdates and fun.
- 13-year-old Gurneet has endured many struggles including being diagnosed with leukemia in January 2022 and facing a difficult treatment journey that was gravely impacted by COVID. Currently in intermittent maintenance, Gurneet is excited to be able to unwind and enjoy the Hawaiian tropics while on “island time” for once.
- 18-year-old Hedo’s life was rocked when he was diagnosed with stage four cancer two years ago. Despite chemotherapy treatment and harsh side effects, this year Hedo is celebrating the heartwarming news that he is officially in remission and his wish is to have some fun with his family at his favorite theme park.
- Seven-year-old Sophia was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect as an infant. Her wish is to make new memories with her family and spend all day having fun at her favorite theme park.
The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, through its Paskenta Nomlaki Foundation, has contributed over $9 million locally to benefit local health, safety and education programs.