SEAL-NSW Family Foundation readies for fundraiser

RANCHO SANTA FE — As the days near for a March 21 golf tournament and gala at the Del Mar Country Club, it’s still not too late to take part in supporting the SEAL-NSW Family Foundation. This year marks its 4^th annual tournament.

“The SEAL-NSW Family Foundation helps to create resilient families. We focus on creating and resourcing programs designed to support NSW families,” said William R. Fenick, executive director of the SEAL-NSW Family Foundation.

Fenick began serving the Foundation last November following a dedicated tenure of 28 years in the U.S. Navy, most recently acting as the director of public affairs and communication for the Naval Special Warfare Command in San Diego.

Fenick wants people to know that the monies raised go to SEAL-NSWFF programs, which include Family Resiliency and Services, Childrens’ Special Needs Programs, Bereavement Support, Transition Assistance, Counter Deployment, Global Outreach, Emergency Assistance and Wounded Warriors.

“The SEAL-Naval Special Warfare Family Foundation supports individual and family readiness through an array of programs specifically targeted to assist the Naval Special Warfare community in maintaining a resilient, sustainable, and healthy force in this era of persistent conflict and frequent deployments,” he said. “With SEALs, their ability to stay fit and focused determines the success of every mission. Part of our job is to facilitate that focus by ensuring every SEAL knows his family is, and will be taken care of.”

On the day of the event, the Del Mar Country Club will champion a scramble golf tournament for a total of 125 players.

Professional golf coach Hank Haney, who has instructed golfing champs such as Tiger Woods and Mark O’ Meara, will be on hand to take part in a pre-tournament clinic and exhibition for the players.

Michael Thornton, a former Navy SEAL and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient will announce the official tournament kickoff ceremony.

Following the tournament, attendees at the gala will have the special opportunity to hear keynote speaker, General Michael Hayden, the former Director of the CIA and the National Security Agency.

“General Hayden is a retired four-star general who served as director of the CIA and the NSA when the course of world events was changing at an accelerating rate. As head of the country’s keystone intelligence-gathering agencies, he was on the frontline of geopolitical strife and the war on terrorism,” Fenick said.

Co-chairs of the fundraiser are Madeleine Pickens and Dominique Plewes.

Pickens, the owner of the Del Mar Country Club, shared when they found out the SEAL-NSW Family Foundation was in San Diego and looking to expand, they were honored to offer the Del Mar Country Club.

“We underwrite everything for the Foundation, including donating the golf course and underwriting the entire dinner,” she said. “And of course, the many other wonderful San Diego residents have joined in and donated items, including Jeffrey Strauss, The Pattisons from Scotland, Jenny Craig, The Manoogians, Michelle Weinger and her family, former San Diego Charger Donnie Edwards and his wife Kathryn, Drew and Brittany Brees, Sugar Ray and Bernadette Leonard, and John Matty, and more.”

According to Plewes, the tournament has grown in size and money over the past four years.

“Finding the support of sponsors like American Airlines, Bumble Bee Foods, Corky’s Pest Control, John Matty Co., NAMMO, Kimmelman Family Foundation, Pamplemousse Grille, Sandy Sandoval, Taylor Made, Adidas, Ashworth and Adams, have been instrumental,” Plewes said.

She pointed out that Suja, Maserati, Mercedes of Escondido, Cart Mart, Hard Rock San Diego and a number of other individuals have been incredibly generous.

Among the brimming roster of unique must-have auction items include dinner with Sugar Ray and Bernadette Leonard at their private estate, spending time at the New Orleans Saints Training Camp, or a day of golf with football legend, Joe Montana.

To learn more about this upcoming event or ways to support SEAL-Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Family Foundation, visit supportourwarriors.org or sealnswff.org.