The Coastal Encinitas Rotary Club celebrated the success of its 2026 Golf Ball Drop fundraiser by distributing proceeds to three outstanding nonprofit organizations during its July 14 meeting.
This year’s Golf Ball Drop generated nearly $62,000 in gross revenue, thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors, ball purchasers, event attendees, and Rotary members. The event’s success allowed the club to award $8,360 each to the Boys & Girls Club of Northwest San Diego, Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, and Just in Time for Foster Youth, according to a news release.
More than a fundraiser, the Golf Ball Drop represents Rotary’s commitment to investing in programs that create meaningful and lasting change throughout the community.
Representatives from each organization attended the presentation and shared how Rotary’s investment will help expand opportunities for local youth, foster youth transitioning to independence, and veterans rebuilding their lives after military service.
For Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, previous Golf Ball Drop support helped fund the landscape project at Freedom Station III, which expanded transitional housing capacity for medically retired veterans by 70 percent. The facility now provides 29 fully furnished one-bedroom cottages and has served more than 50 veterans during the past year. Stories like that of Briana Burton—a veteran who transitioned through the program, completed her education, became a homeowner, and was later accepted into Harvard Graduate School of Design—demonstrate the life-changing impact these investments can have, the news release stated.
Just in Time for Foster Youth uses unrestricted funding where needs are greatest, helping support services that reach approximately 3,000 to 3,500 young people transitioning from foster care to independent adulthood. One inspiring example is Barbara Suazo, a former participant who now serves on the organization’s staff, helping other foster youth build successful futures.
The Boys & Girls Club of Northwest San Diego provides safe and supportive environments where young people can learn, grow, and build confidence. Through academic support, leadership development, mentoring, sports, and enrichment programs, the organization helps thousands of local youth develop the skills and resilience needed for future success. Golf Ball Drop funding helps ensure these opportunities remain available to the children and families who depend on them, the news release stated.
The Coastal Encinitas Rotary Club extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to this year’s Golf Ball Drop. Every sponsorship, donation, and golf ball purchased helps transform generosity into opportunity for veterans, foster youth, and children throughout this region, according to the news release.
Planning is already underway for next year’s event as Rotary continues its mission of Service Above Self and creating positive change in the communities it serves.
To learn more about the Coastal Encinitas Rotary Club, its community service projects, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved, visit coastalencinitasrotary.org.