ZUNI, NM (Aug. 22, 2022) — The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project announced today that it received $50,000 through the annual San Manuel Golf Tournament earlier this month. ZYEP was one of eight tribal and local nonprofit organizations selected to benefit from this year’s event, which took place Aug. 1-4.
The event officially kicked off July 31 with a celebration and check presentation at the Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. ZYEP Board Treasurer Darlynn Panteah and Executive Director Tahlia Natachu were on hand to receive the check from Peter Arceo, the resort’s general manager, and Edward Duro, a member of San Manuel’s Business Committee.
The Highland, California-based resort hosts annual golf tournament in partnership with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. In a recent statement, the band reported that the 2022 event was the largest to date with more than 1,200 participants, and it raised more than $400,000 for the eight beneficiaries.
“Words cannot express how grateful we are for this support,” Natachu said. “This partnership means so much to us, especially since San Manuel also has been instrumental in providing a solid foundation for our two most popular programs: Summer Camp and the Youth Sport leagues.
We’ve learned over the years that when our values align with that of a supporter, incredible things happen,” she continued. “The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has a true story of resilience, one that demonstrates how hard work pays off for present and future generations. Their generosity is admirable, as is their desire to help care for relatives across all Native nations. I was simply blown away by this event. They have truly leaned into their strengths and learned to navigate the various worlds we live in as Indigenous people.”
Through the annual golf tournament, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians supports tribal and local nonprofits that provide cultural development, environmental conservation, and health services in their communities. In the last two decades, the band has donated more than $300 million to charitable organizations nationally and locally.
For more information about the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, visit sanmanuel-nsn.gov and sanmanuelcares.org. For information about the Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, visit yamaava.com.
To learn more about the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project and its programs, and for information about making donations, partnering with ZYEP, and volunteering, call (505) 782-8000 or visit zyep.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest news and events, follow the nonprofit youth organization on Facebook (/zuniyouthenrichmentproject), Instagram (@zuniyouthenrichmentproject), and YouTube (/ZuniYouth).
Founded in 2009, the nonprofit Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is dedicated to promoting resilience among Zuni youth so they will grow into strong, healthy adults who are connected with Zuni traditions. ZYEP fulfills its mission by providing positive role models, enriching programs, and nurturing spaces that contribute to the healthy development of Zuni youth. ZYEP strives to provide every child with the encouragement and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
