San Juan Oaks Golf Course will host the ninth annual Kelly Freitas Memorial Golf Tournament and Dinner Party on July 12. The event is a fundraiser for the Kelly Freitas Memorial Endowment.
The endowment honors the life of Kelly Freitas, who died of breast cancer when she was 29.
Described as a woman of perseverance and optimism by her husband Manny Freitas, he said the family created the tournament and a scholarship as a way to celebrate Kelly’s life.
“We wanted to do something positive and impactful in the community and not be drawn to cancer all the time,” Freitas said. “What better way than to start a scholarship in her name.”
When looking for students to select for the annual scholarship, Freitas said that traits associated with Kelly, such as determination in the face of adversity, are key.
“She was always facing challenges during her battle with cancer, but she always did it with grace and with a smile,” he said. “She was always saying ‘I understand it could be bad news, but it can always be worse.’”
This mindset of embracing life to its fullest in every season is embodied in the golf tournament itself.
Inviting participants to enjoy themselves more than having to execute the perfect putt, the tournament features contests throughout the course as a way of adding unexpected elements to the affair. This year’s course will include the High Heel Hole, Fastest Hole, Launching for Charity and Blind Fold Hole.
The event will also include a dinner with live entertainment that is open to both tournament participants as well as the general public.
“The real fun begins after the tournament at the dinner party,” Frietas said.
The dinner party starts at 6 p.m. and will feature live music by the Joint Chiefs following dinner. There will also be a silent auction and raffle, with all proceeds benefiting the scholarship fund.
Tickets are $50 and include a glass of wine donated by Dorcich Family Vineyards. Tickets are available at the San Juan Oaks Pro Shop.
To participate in the golf tournament and/or dinner, or to arrange sponsorship or make a tax-deductible donation, contact Manny Freitas at San Juan Oaks (831) 636-6119.
