We refuse to do things in a small way at DRG! On May 4, we raised more than $500,000 at our first ever DRG Cares Golf Classic, to benefit DRG Cares, our employee assistance fund.
Held at the beautiful Sonoma Golf Club in Sonoma, CA, our goal was clear: Grow the fund so we can help more people. Supporting our team members through the ups and downs of life is part of who we are!
“The energy was incredibly positive and contagious … from the moment the idea was introduced, there was a sense that we were building something meaningful.” – Jennifer Blesius, DRG Cares Board Member
“The amount of money we raised and the number of people who showed up eager to support this effort – that was just a really powerful, proud moment for me,” says SG Ellison, DRG CEO and Franchisee.
“The goal is always to go above and beyond,” says Sierra Burk, Vice President of DRG Cares Board. “We came together for this cause to make the event possible. And we had fun doing it, knowing it’s going back to the employees.”
“It’s the least we could do, you know,” says SG. “To support the lives of all 10,000 people.”
DRG Cares Board Member Jennifer Blesius was instrumental in the golf classic’s success. She says none of this would have been possible, however, without DRG Chairman David Grieve and SG, who saw the need for DRG Cares in the first place.
Event Highlights
About 140 golfers participated in our inaugural charity golf tournament. Attendees included partners, vendors and friends of DRG. While DRG Cares has been around since 2017, this was the first time we were intentional about raising external awareness about it.
Since inception, DRG Cares has given around 500 grants to team members enduring personal tragedy, hardship and unexpected crises.
The DRG Cares golf event kicked off with a shotgun start and concluded with a cocktail reception, dinner, live auction and awards. Along the course were food and drinks, courtesy of the Live Más Cafe, Horse Trailer Bar, The Original Burgerdog Food Truck, SGC Snack Shack and Taco Bell Craveables.
According to Sierra, one of the biggest hits from the auction was Taco Bell-branded golf bags. We also auctioned off some incredible experiences during the live auction. “Tight Turns & Tacos,” a Grand Prix viewing party, went for $30,000! And another item, a Los Cabos yacht escape, was so popular it was split in two for $27,500 each!
A special shout-out to the DRG Cares Board of officers led by Becky Rainey for providing their expertise and collaboration all year long to assure we’re being efficient and thoughtful while making the biggest impact we can for team members in crisis.
“This event was truly a team effort,” Jennifer says. “At the heart of the event, Sarah [Ramadan], Elizabeth [Akers] and I spent months building the foundation for this inaugural event – overseeing everything from strategy and sponsorships to logistics and guest experience. What made it special was watching people from different parts of the organization come together with a shared purpose … the success of the tournament is a direct reflection of the collaboration, commitment and heart of our team.”
Thank you to DRG’s Northern California leadership who helped staff the event and to all of our vendors, sponsors and attendees for blowing this charity event out of the water.
“For a first-year event, we couldn’t be more proud of what was accomplished. The tournament demonstrated what’s possible when a group of passionate people comes together!” – Jennifer Blesius, DRG Cares Board Member
About DRG Cares
The DRG Cares Fund was launched in 2017 as a “safety net” to help DRG employees in need of immediate financial assistance following an unforeseen disaster or personal hardship. Those who need additional financial support – and qualify – can apply for a grant right away at drgcares.org.
With its 501(c)(3) designation, DRG Cares is funded entirely by team member and partner donations. The difference we make together is powerful!
“Every time I hear about somebody who’s receiving a grant or needs a grant, it’s an emotional thing,” SG shares. “Because it’s never when they’re on top – it’s really when there’s a need or a tragedy, or there’s financial impact to the family.”
“DRG Cares is about people taking care of people. And I’m just really happy to be a part of it.” -SG Ellison, CEO & Franchisee
It’s important that our people know about this resource – it’s here for YOU. The average award is $1,800, according to Sierra. So far this year, we’ve had 20 applications for assistance and we’re ready for more. Make a donation or apply for a grant today!
