Golf Fund-Raiser to Aid Rehab Industries

The San Fernando Chamber of Commerce is inviting golfers of all skill levels to play a round for Build Rehabilitation Industries, a nonprofit group that helps train mentally and physically disabled people for jobs.

The fund-raiser will be part of the fifth annual Gage Wilson Golf Classic on Tuesday at the Crystalaire Country Club in Llano.

“Build Rehabilitation is a natural choice for us because their services are business-related,” said chamber President Bruce Cohen.

The San Fernando-based organization was established in 1967 and currently provides job training for about 200 mentally retarded and learning-disabled people per year.

Build Executive Director Matthew P. Lynch said that money raised in the golf tournament will be used to purchase training equipment.

“Our clients are the people no one ever thought would work,” Lynch said. “The money we pay them will be the first paycheck they have received in their lives.”

The cost to enter the tournament, which is named in honor of past San Fernando Citizen of the Year and longtime resident Gage Wilson, is $100. The entry fee covers 18 holes of golf as well as lunch and dinner.

Cohen said that the Chamber of Commerce hopes to raise up to $15,000 for Build Rehabilitation.

“This event is more fun than you’ve ever had,” Cohen said. He described the course as “an oasis in the middle of the desert.”

In addition to the golf tournament, the chamber will raise money through a raffle featuring golf clubs, televisions and a Hawaiian vacation.

For registration information, contact the San Fernando Chamber of Commerce, (818) 361-1184.