Hōkūala, Folds of Honor to host Operation: Rising Star golf tournament Dec. 17

Līhu‘e resort Hōkūala will host its second annual Operation: Rising Star golf tournament at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Ocean Course on Dec. 17.

Partnering with Folds of Honor, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide life changing educational scholarships for spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military and first responders, proceeds from the tournament will go directly to Folds of Honor scholarship recipients throughout the Hawaiian Islands.

“We are humbled to continue our support for Folds of Honor. The scholarships provided make a difference in the lives of so many worthy Hawaiʻi recipients. It is our privilege to play a part in
such a valuable cause,” said Chris Gampon, General Manager of Timbers Kaua‘i.

Since its inception in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded over 51,000 educational scholarships
with 45% minority recipients, with an economic impact of over $240 million dollars. Operation:
Rising Star’s inaugural tournament in December 2022 raised nearly $125,000, equating to 23
scholarships, from the contributions and participation of local organizations and individuals in addition to PGA of America Golf Professionals.

One of Hawai‘i scholarship recipients, ShaeLynne Igarta-De Vera, expressed her gratitude:

“I am very thankful to be a recipient of this scholarship. I am working towards my
master’s degree in social work, specializing in behavior and mental health. I want to give
back to my community and help those who have mental health issues stemming from
their service in the military.”

There are 49 applicants for Folds of Honor scholarships in Hawai‘i for 2023-2024, valued at
$223,000. Thirteen fully qualified applicants were turned away for lack of funds. 2023’s tournament aims to raise scholarships to aid in the Folds of Honor mission so that no applicants are turned away.

Operation: Rising Star sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels. Each sponsorship level provides one- or two-foursome participant teams to the event, as well as on-
course food and beverage, player gifts, and inclusion on marketing materials and event signage.

Monetary donations are also gladly accepted. For those wishing to participate in the tournament, the entry fee per foursome is $1,000, which includes golf, tee gift, dinner, silent auction access, and a closing reception. Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, founder and CEO of Folds of Honor, will be joining the event and participating in the tournament.

Opening ceremonies will begin at 10 with a shotgun start at 11 a.m.

At the conclusion of the tournament, a reception to honor the Folds of Honor sponsors and participants will be held at Hualani’s, Timbers Kaua‘i’s oceanfront restaurant, with food, live entertainment and a silent auction featuring exclusive prizes from golf courses across the United States, luxury hotel stays and local vendors.

Sponsorships, foursome, and individual signups can be completed online at
https://operationrisingstar.golfgenius.com or by calling Tom Freestone, Director of Golf at the
Ocean Course at Hōkūala, at 808-651-8175.