PASADENA, California – The APGA Foundation recently presented a donation of $30,400 to the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena and First Tee – Greater Pasadena to support fire relief efforts for the neighboring Altadena community following January’s devastating wildfires.
Funds were raised through birdies and eagles made during the APGA Tour Farmers Insurance Invitational in January, totaling $9,300. With matching contributions from Farmers Insurance and APGA co-founder Ken Bentley, along with additional support, the total donation reached $30,400. These funds will help replace equipment lost in the fires, expand youth programming and support families facing hardships due to the fires.
“This donation reflects the APGA’s commitment to using golf as a platform for change,” said Ken Bentley, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Co-Founder of the APGA. “Our hearts go out to the families impacted by the Altadena fires, and we’re proud to stand with these outstanding youth organizations that are making a difference.”
The event was held at Brookside Golf Club in Pasadena and included appearances by Bentley; APGA Tour players Andrew Fernandez, Jonathan Yoshihiro and Rovonta Young; as well as youth and staff from Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena and First Tee – Greater Pasadena.
The effort was made possible with the support of Farmers Insurance, a longtime APGA sponsor focused on expanding access and opportunity in golf and beyond.
Leaders from the recipient organizations emphasized the deeper meaning of the donation — not just in dollars, but in the message of resilience and community it brings.
“This generous donation means everything to our youth,” said Mark Fritz of First Tee – Greater Pasadena. “Beyond the financial help, it sends a powerful message: that their community believes in them and is here to support them through tough times.”
The event concluded with a surprise check presentation, group photo opportunity and interviews with representatives from the APGA, the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena and First Tee – Greater Pasadena.