2025 golf tournament recap

June 27, 2025

Milestone event and year-to-date donations result in a new record $60,000 for pediatric hospice and palliative care.

On Friday, June 27, 2025, The Markie Foundation held its 25th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Callippe Preserve Golf Course in Pleasanton, California. A full field of golfers, dinner guests, and volunteers came together for this milestone event to support pediatric hospice and palliative care. Proceeds from the tournament, combined with year-to-date donations, bring our total funds raised this year to $60,000, which is being disbursed to several worthy beneficiaries (see details below).

“This year’s event was extra special as we celebrated 25 years supporting pediatric hospice and palliative care,” said Janis Wuelfing, Co-Founder of The Markie Foundation. “Once again, it was another great day of golf and charity made possible by a wonderful group of golfers, sponsors, volunteers, guests, and donors. It was also an honor to make multiple disbursements at the event, showing our attendees the impact of their participation, giving, and generosity. We’re so grateful for everyone who continues to support our cause, help us honor Markie, and make a difference in the lives of terminally ill children and their families.”

Initial 2025 Disbursements

During the dinner presentation, The Markie Foundation announced initial disbursements totaling $42,500 to five beneficiaries, including one new recipient organization:

$15,000 to George Mark Children’s House for ongoing services and care at GMCH (Hummingbird Project). (This brings our total giving to GMCH to $300,000.)
$12,500 to UC Davis for child life services for sick children and their families.
$7,500 to Kara for grief therapy and services for children, teens, and their families.
$7,500 to Hinds Hospice for ongoing support of their pediatric hospice programs. (This brings our total giving to GMCH to $100,000.)
$2,500 to Scottie’s Gift Foundation (new beneficiary) for gift baskets for critically ill children at local hospitals.

This year’s disbursements were also made in honor of The Markie Foundation’s board members, for their 25 years of dedication and service to the organization.

Since its inception, The Markie Foundation has raised more than $750,000 to support hundreds of children and their families, and has set a goal to raise a $Million for Markie in the near future. View our many beneficiaries through the years.

With its remaining and future funds, The Markie Foundation will continue to support organizations who share our mission.

“Hummingbird Award” and Milestones

Representatives from George Mark, Kara, Hinds Hospice, and Scottie’s Gift Foundation were in attendance to share their gratitude and demonstrate the impact The Markie Foundation is having through its support of invaluable pediatric hospice and pediatric palliative care services.

Ken Sommer, Director of Advancement at George Mark, honored The Markie Foundation with a Hummingbird Award for the Foundation’s years of support and contributions to George Mark, now totaling $300,000. Hummingbird Awards “honor those who have significantly advanced George Mark’s mission of caring for seriously ill children and their families.”

Ken Sommer (left) honors The Markie Foundation co-founders Joe and Janis Wuelfing with a George Mark Children’s House “Hummingbird Award.”

Also, with this year’s disbursement, The Markie Foundation’s total contributions to Hinds Hospice have reached $100,000.

Thanks again to all our sponsors, donors, participants, and volunteers for your continued support. We couldn’t do it without you!

Media:

Event Highlight Video

Event Photos

Golf Tournament Winners:

1st Place: Chirs Groves, Brandon Lee, Jason Krsk, Mike Dubitsky
2nd Place: Gil Ochea, Dave Simens, Michael Pang, Dan Gil
3rd Place: Rich Rowley, Jordan Rowley, Bob Whitling, Sean Guzman
Blind Draw: Josh Karpel, Carlos Gutierrez, Lyle Diorio, Carlos Covarrubias
Closest to Pin (Men’s): Brandon Lee
Closest to Pin (Women’s): Kiera Winslow
Longest Drive (Men’s): Brandon Lee
Longest Drive (Women’s): Michelle Kramar

Silent Auction Winners: Jay Bass, Sarah Caldwell, Scott Creason, Andrea Fitzgerald, Peter Gerson, Zack McClure, Marty Moesta, Candler Rich, Mark Rose, Jordan Rowley, Barry Slivinsky, Stephan Vernaelde, Beth Wong

Platinum Sponsors: