St. Vincent’s SB 25th Annual Golf Classic

Presented by The Sarah Lee Pascoe Foundation, St. Vincent’s Santa Barbara held its 25th Annual Golf Classic at Ty Warner’s Montecito Club on Monday, October 5. The event, co-chaired by Bill Cordero Sr. and Drew Wakefield, funds the St. Vincent’s Family Strengthening Program, the only long-term transitional housing program in Santa Barbara for single mothers with young children.

The annual golf classic is a favorite for golfers of all ages and levels, as who could resist a full day of golf on a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf course with views of the ocean, and in support of such a great cause? This year saw 21 teams of four vying for top place in gross, net, closest to the pin, and more! Teams hailed from the Ann Jackson Family Foundation, SB Cottage Health, Matilija Pure Water, Community West Bank, Sattler Trust, Farmers & Merchants Bank, David and Louise Borgatello (Marborg), Lash Construction, Bako Sweet, Brophy & Sons, John Knopf, Lumi Funding Group, Montesano Group, Paul Cashman of State Farm Insurance, Taylor Farms, NewtMont Foundation, Wakefield 805, Vantage Point Media, Valpredo Farms, along with annual top sponsor teams by Bill Cordero Sr., Bill Cordero Jr., and Bella Fredericks with Kogevinas Group.

The staggering heat wave had no adverse effect on the good will, positive attitudes, and smiles that surrounded the event from 9:30 am through the dinner awards, finishing outside on the lawn overlooking Montecito. The program commenced with a buffet breakfast and putting contest led by Wakefield. The competition of the putting contest has been an element of the Golf Classic and a viewing favorite as the winning pot annually increases when there are no winners. Wakefield utilizes the sport’s official rules for the contest. Winning the chance to go for the Final Putting Contest was Dennis Boneck, who came close to the hole, but missed, thus raising the winning funds for next year.

Next, the teams manned their golf carts for a welcome address by the President and CEO of St. Vincent’s SB, Rosa Paredes, who shared, “Twenty-five years of this tournament says a lot about this community. The program it supports isn’t a shelter, it’s a home, and it runs 365 days a year. The generosity of everyone here is what keeps it going. We’re grateful to Sally Valpredo and Connor Limont of The Sarah Lee Pascoe Foundation, to our co-chairs Bill Cordero and Drew Wakefield, and to every golfer, sponsor, and volunteer who was part of the day.”

Paredes introduced Alicia Visueta, a graduate of the program, to talk about her experience. In her moving speech, she relayed how important the program has been in changing and supporting her self-image and ability to be a proper parent to her children.

Speaking next was Connor Limont, representing the Sarah Lee Pascoe Foundation, who thanked everyone and talked about the foundation’s support for St. Vincent’s SB. She was followed by Bill Cordero Sr. who talked about the event and introduced his granddaughter Bella Fredericks, who will join the planning committee and help take on the lead as a co-chair. Providing the course rules was the Montecito Club’s Pro Golf lead. Concluding the program was Father John Hardin, OFM, who gave a blessing to the golfers. And then the teams took off to give their best shots on the 18-hole course.

Teams finished up around 5 pm, all smiles and headed to the buffet dinner and libations outside. During this time the silent auction took place and the raffle winners were selected. 

Wakefield led the awards ceremony. He introduced Bill Cordero Sr. to say a few words. Cordero Sr. started the Charity Golf Classic 25 years ago and has chaired it ever since. While he will continue to be involved in the event, his granddaughter Bella Fredericks, will succeed him as co-chair. Cordero’s mother was raised at St. Vincent’s by the Daughters of Charity, and many members of his family play in the tournament each year. He and his son, Billy Jr., also sponsor the Putting Challenge, which has become one of the day’s traditions.

The 2026 St. Vincent’s Golf Classic Winners are as follows:

Closest to Pin: Les Proceviat at Hole 17, 1’1”

Longest Drive: Matt Genovese at Hole 11 and 18

First Place Net: Jeff Dotti, Jeff McGuire, Jake Koeper, Trent Throckmorton

First Place Gross: Mike Valpredo, Colby Lewis, Bhavik Patel, Chad Brock

Noted attendees included from the Daughters of Charity’s Sister Maria, Sister Oanh, and Sister Rocio, Claudia Lash who co-chairs the St. Vincent’s Fashion Show, and guests of the golfers.

To make a donation and to sign up for next year’s golf tournament, see
the 411.

411: www.stvincents-sb.org