The Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center, known as the Wooten Center, announced the inaugural John Lapham Golf Classic, a fundraising event renamed to honor longtime board member and chairperson John G. Lapham III. Formerly the Wooten Golf Classic, the tournament will take place on Monday, November 17, at the Porter Valley Country Club in Northridge, California. Proceeds support the center's college and career readiness programs, which serve thousands of youth in Los Angeles.
Corey Dantzler, Executive Director of the Wooten Center, emphasized the significance of the event: "This tournament brings together the heart of our community to honor John's legacy and invest in our youth. His commitment to education and opportunity continues to guide our work every day." Lapham's tenure as board chair has been marked by dedication to expanding after-school opportunities that prepare students for academic and professional success.
The golf classic includes a full day of activities: an 18-hole tournament, putting contest, lunch on the course, and a silent auction followed by an awards dinner at 5 p.m. Sponsors can choose from multiple levels, ranging from Bronze at $1,500 (one foursome) to Sapphire at $50,000 (four foursomes). Each level includes signage and team participation. Individual tickets and additional contest entries are also available. Interested parties can register via the online RSVP form or review sponsorship details on the event website.
The Wooten Center has provided a safe, nurturing environment for LA youth for decades, focusing on after-school programs that empower students academically and personally. This annual event serves as a vital platform for building hope and opportunity, directly funding initiatives that help students transition from high school to college and careers. The renaming of the tournament underscores Lapham's lasting impact on the organization and the broader community.
