In early May, several southwest RDO Equipment Co. stores teamed up to host the annual Desert Coast Growers Invitational Golf Tournament in Yuma, Arizona.
The invitational began three years ago when RDO’s Vice President of Southwest Agriculture Richard Arias, challenged his teams to give back to their communities in a meaningful way. Since its inception, the event has raised nearly $180,000 for communities in the Desert Coast region.
This year, over $70,000 was raised for Amberly’s Place, an immediate crisis intervention center for domestic violence, elder or physical abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking victims.
Established in 1999 by the Yuma Family Advocacy Coalition, Amberly’s Place serves children and adults in and around Yuma County. It provides a safe, nurturing environment with on-site medical attention and one-time video interviews.
Amberly’s Place’s operating costs are primarily funded by grants so the money raised by RDO will contribute to victims' costs such as transportation by bus or plane, therapy and counseling services, clothing and food. In addition, funds will be used to support Amberly Place’s innovative approach to investigating, prosecuting and intervening in abuse cases in partnership with law enforcement agencies operating within Yuma County.
"We will be able to better serve abuse victims in our community because of the support we receive from generous donors like RDO Equipment Co.," explained Tori Bourguignon, Amberly's Place executive director. "We are truly grateful. "
Year after year, the Desert Coast Growers Invitational continues to be a positive opportunity for growers and industry members to partner and provide for those in need in the region.
"The power of the community is amazing when we all work together to connect each other to a great cause,” said Arias. “It’s hard work, but every grower in this part of the country knows hard work is exactly what it takes to earn results. We once again found this an energizing opportunity to join forces and do something bigger for the community than we could individually. Amberly’s Place was a much-deserving partner this year.”
Golf tournament participants included RDO, John Deere team members, customers, and community supporters.
RDO Equipment Co.
Founded in 1968, RDO Equipment Co. sells and supports intelligently connected agriculture, construction, environmental, irrigation, positioning, and surveying equipment from leading manufacturers, including John Deere, Vermeer, and Topcon. With more than 80 locations across the U.S. and partnerships in Africa, Australia, Mexico and Ukraine, we deliver creative solutions so our customers can grow and build the world.
