The Gondo Golf Classic tournament began almost thirty years ago when Coach Myra Einberg had the idea to organize a golf tournament to raise money for Venice High School. Myra recruited teachers Bill Fairbanks, Jim Blackwood (S'58), Sharon Gebhart, Amy Shimizu, and Jan Davis to assist with organizing and running the tournament. Originally played in February on President’s Day, it was eventually moved to the better weather month of June. Currently held at the Sunset Hills Country Club in Thousand Oaks, past locations included: the Malibu Country Club, Calabasas Country Club, Montebello Country Club, Robinson Ranch Golf Club, and Sand Canyon Country Club. In recent years, our tournament committee has lost some of its beloved original members but we are fortunate to have had newer members Jasmine Jaffe ('84), Brian Blesser, Kevin Behrendt ('92), Margo Oku, Nikki Gilbert ('89), Alex Galvan ('78), Lorena Alvarado ('88) and Barb Hornack join on along the way.

Over the years, we have raised money to fund several projects and provide extra resources for many Venice High athletic teams, clubs, and programs. The tournament has benefacted the following projects/groups:

• New Gunther mascot costume
• Motorized the bleachers in the West gym
• Yearly green fees for the golf teams
• Equipment/supplies for the Sports Medicine Academy
• Additional funding for all the Venice High athletic teams
• Scoreboards
• Provided championship banners to be installed in the West Gym
• Funding to support the Venice High School Musicals and Plays
• New Band Uniforms
 

The Gondo Golf Classic has also become a great way for Venice Alumni to reunite annually with friends, play golf and support Venice High School. Grateful for the golfers who have been with us from the start, we are also thrilled to welcome new players on to the course each year. Want to be a part of this great Venice tradition but don't golf? You are welcome to volunteer at the event, sponsor a tee/hole or make a general donation.