Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center Renames Annual Fundraiser to Honor John Lapham's Legacy

The Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center has announced the inaugural John Lapham Golf Classic, renaming its annual fundraising event to honor the legacy of longtime board member and chairperson John G. Lapham III. The tournament, previously known as the Wooten Golf Classic, will take place on Monday, November 17, at Porter Valley Country Club in Northridge, California, continuing its mission of supporting youth college and career readiness programs.

Corey Dantzler, Executive Director of the Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center, emphasized the significance of the name change, stating that the tournament brings together the community to honor John's legacy while investing in youth. His commitment to education and opportunity continues to guide our work every day, Dantzler said. The event supports vital programs serving thousands of youth at the Wooten Center, providing a safe and nurturing environment through after-school initiatives focused on academic and personal success.

Attendees will participate in a full day of golf activities including a putting contest, lunch on the course, and a silent auction, culminating in an awards dinner beginning at 5 p.m. The fundraising event serves as a crucial platform for building hope and opportunity for students in the community, with proceeds directly supporting college and career readiness programs that empower youth to succeed.

Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels, ranging from Bronze at $1,500 to Sapphire at $50,000, each including various numbers of foursomes and event benefits. Interested participants can register through the online RSVP form or review sponsorship details at the event website https://www.wootencenter.org/golf. Additional contest entries and individual tickets are also available for those wishing to support the center's mission of providing educational opportunities for Los Angeles youth.

The renaming of this annual event matters because it institutionalizes the values and contributions of a dedicated community leader while ensuring sustainable funding for critical youth development programs. By honoring John Lapham's legacy through this renamed tournament, the Wooten Center reinforces the importance of mentorship, educational access, and community investment in shaping future generations. The implications extend beyond fundraising, as this gesture demonstrates how nonprofit organizations can maintain institutional memory while adapting to evolving community needs.

This announcement is important because it highlights how community-based organizations sustain their missions through strategic partnerships and recognition of key supporters. The John Lapham Golf Classic represents more than a name change; it symbolizes the enduring impact of volunteer leadership on youth programming and community development. As educational disparities continue to challenge urban communities, events like this provide essential resources for programs that address achievement gaps and prepare students for post-secondary success.

The tournament's focus on college and career readiness has significant implications for Los Angeles youth who face systemic barriers to educational advancement. By channeling funds directly into these programs, the Wooten Center creates pathways to opportunity that might otherwise remain inaccessible. The event's structure, combining recreation with philanthropy, models how community engagement can translate into tangible educational outcomes, making the renaming both a tribute and a strategic investment in the center's future impact.