American Friends of Our Armed Forces (AFAF) – an all-volunteer nonprofit based in the Coachella Valley dedicated to supporting the men and women serving in the Armed Forces and their immediate families remaining at home – will host its 18th Annual Salute to Our Troops & Golf Classic on April 4-5, 2023, at Toscana Country Club in Indian Wells.
While the golf tournament is sold out, tickets are still available for the April 4th Salute to Our Troops dinner event with live entertainment by one of America’s most well-known soul singing groups, The Righteous Brothers – featuring Bill Medley and Bucky Heard.
Long known for a string of award-winning hits, the dynamic duo will be joined by the group’s 11-piece orchestra in a private performance of the most played radio song of all time, ‘You’ve Got That Lovin’ Feelin’ along with many other # 1 hit songs.
“Our goal is to raise $400,000 that evening to support programs at Southern California military bases throughout the coming year, such as youth sports, baby showers, substance abuse prevention and collecting donations to help provide for the needs of families remaining at home while their loved ones are serving overseas,” said Walt Van Benthuysen, president and co-founder of AFAF.
Other highlights for the evening of Salute to Our Troops include a colors presentation by a Marine Color Guard from 29 Palms Marine Base, a brief address by Major General Austin E. Renforth – Commanding General of Marine Air Ground Combat Center in 29 Palms – and a presentation to Gold Star Parents, Herman and Alicia Lopez, parents of fallen marine corporal and local hero, Hunter Lopez.
The Lopezes started a foundation called the Hunter Lopez Memorial Foundation, as well as a scholarship program. AFAF has donated $20,000, with plans for an additional commitment towards the Lopezes’ efforts to help others in Hunter’s memory at the April 4th event.
Dinner will begin at 5:00 p.m. and will be held outside in the Toscana Garden Court, with the remainder of the evening’s program and concert being held in Toscana’s Event Center. Toscana Country Club is located at 76009 Via Club Villa in Indian Wells. To purchase tickets ($375 each) or learn more about the American Friends of Our Armed Forces, go to AFAFUSA.com.
