BENEFITS : Events Aim at Giving Teens a Sporting Chance

Some of the greatest figures in sports history will be in Dana Point on Monday. So will some of the least-privileged kids in La Puente and Hacienda Heights.

Using her connections in the sports world, former Olympic gold-medal diver Pat McCormick is sponsoring a golf tournament, dinner and sports memorabilia auction at the Links at Monarch Beach and the Monarch Bay Club, and hopes to raise $30,000 to educated underprivileged youths.

The money pulled into the Pat McCormick Educational Foundation will go to pay for academic camps and field trips for youngsters between the ages of 14 and 17. The program currently involves about 25 youths from La Puente and Hacienda Heights, but organizers hope to expand into Orange County and other areas.

Sports heroes participating will include former Dodger star Duke Snider, football Hall-of-Famer Otto Graham, Olympic gold medalists Rafer Johnson, Al Oerter, Billy Mills, and many others. Many other athletes have contributed memorabilia for the auction.

Several unusual collectibles will be for sale, including a book passed out to athletes in the 1936 Olympics signed by both Adolf Hitler and Jesse Owens, which is expected to go for several thousands of dollars. Frank Lubin, captain of the first Olympic basketball team in 1936, has donated his team uniform to the cause. Other sports greats such as Gordie Howe, Don Drysdale and Jerry West have sent items to be auctioned.

But the real stars of the event will be the youngsters, many of whom will be attending, said McCormick.

“It helps them immeasurably to be around these people,” she said. “When people like Rafer Johnson and Duke Snider praise your efforts, you’re going to feel good about yourself.”

What: Golf, dinner and sports memorabilia auction to benefit the Pat McCormick Educational Foundation.

When: Monday, Aug. 31. Golf kicks off at 10 a.m., the auction will begin at 4 p.m. and the dinner starts at 6 p.m. The auction and dinner will be held at the golf course club house.

Where: The Links at Monarch Beach, 33080 Niguel Road, Dana Point. Dinner and auction at Monarch Bay Club, 500 Monarch Bay, Dana Point.

Whereabouts: Interstate 5 to Crown Valley Parkway off ramp. Turn west to Niguel Road, then turn left for approximately three miles. Course is at the ocean.

Wherewithal: Tax-deductible donation of $175 for both golf and dinner or $50 for the dinner program.

Where to Call: (310) 493-3733.