Desert Financial Foundation's Impactful Charity Golf Tournament
On March 17th, 2025, the Desert Financial Foundation hosted its Annual Charity Golf Tournament, bringing together 190 participants to support an important cause. This year, the event raised an impressive $680,000 for 1 Darn Cool School, a K-12 educational program at Phoenix Children’s Hospital designed to provide instruction to hospitalized children.
The golf tournament, featuring 38 teams paired with professional golfers, took place at the Talking Stick Golf Club in Scottsdale, AZ. The format was a 5-person pro-am scramble, which provided a fun and competitive day for all involved. Ron Amstutz, the tournament director and executive vice president of Desert Financial Credit Union, expressed gratitude for the participation of teams and professionals, emphasizing that the real impact of the event lies in the support it provides to children undergoing medical treatment.
1 Darn Cool School, fully accredited for K-12 education, offers vital educational support to children while they are in the hospital. With a dedicated team of seven full-time teachers who hold master’s degrees, the program helps students keep up with their studies. They provide not only academic instruction but also support for re-entering school and communication assistance with families and educators at home.
Desert Financial Foundation has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to this cause, contributing a record-breaking $2.25 million earlier this year alone, bringing the total support for the 1 Darn Cool School to over $13.2 million in the last 28 years. This consistent funding allows the school to maintain educational services at a high level, positively impacting the lives of many children in need.
The success of the charity tournament was made possible through the generosity of several sponsors. Elan Financial Services served as the presenting sponsor, while Champion Sponsors included Arizona Cardinals, Allied Solutions, and UnitedHealthcare, among others. Additionally, various Title Sponsors contributed significantly, helping to ensure a successful fundraising effort.
By providing financial support through events like these, Desert Financial Foundation aims to empower children in challenging situations, allowing them to achieve their educational goals while receiving medical care. The positive outcomes from this tournament extend far beyond a day of golf; they represent a lasting commitment to bettering the lives of young patients.
As one of the many initiatives that Desert Financial Foundation supports, this charity tournament showcases not only the organization's dedication to community welfare but also highlights the vital role that education and support play in the recovery process of children. To learn more about Desert Financial Foundation and its impactful community initiatives, visit
DesertFinancial.com/Foundation.
Overall, the Desert Financial Foundation's Annual Charity Golf Tournament is a testament to what can be achieved when the community comes together, raising funds that make a significant difference in the health and education of children battling illness.