The One Valley Foundation & Grant Fuhr Celebrity Invitational at Desert Willow “Charity on the Greens”

By: Timothy J. Pade

The Coachella Valley will welcome one of its most anticipated charity sporting events in 2025 as the One Valley Foundation and Grant Fuhr Foundation, 2025 Celebrity Invitational arrives at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert. Scheduled for the weekend of December 13–14, 2025, the tournament will combine world-class golf with philanthropy, continuing a legacy of giving back to the community while celebrating the desert’s unique sporting culture.

This event brings together two important charitable forces. The One Valley Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, supporting a wide range of community programs across the region. Partnering with them is the Grant Fuhr Foundation, founded by NHL Hall of Famer and five-time Stanley Cup champion Grant Fuhr. Since its establishment in 2019, Fuhr’s foundation has directed funds to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s Children’s Program, donating more than a quarter of a million dollars. By joining efforts in 2025, the Invitational will expand its focus to include youth sports initiatives in the Coachella Valley, ensuring that the benefits of the tournament are felt directly within the community it serves.

The weekend begins on Saturday evening with a lively reception and pairings party at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. This gala-style event sets the tone with gourmet food, live entertainment, and spirited bidding through both silent and live auctions. The party not only generates enthusiasm among participants but also provides one of the main fundraising platforms of the weekend. Guests mingle with celebrity athletes and entertainers while eagerly awaiting the team pairings that will shape the following day’s competition.

On Sunday morning, the attention shifts to the rolling fairways of Desert Willow Golf Resort, one of the Coachella Valley’s premier venues. Registration opens early, with a shotgun start scheduled for 9:30 a.m. The tournament follows a five-player scramble format, where each team is composed of four amateur golfers paired with one celebrity. It is a design that ensures a lively and inclusive atmosphere, mixing casual players with star athletes and entertainers in a setting that balances competition with camaraderie. The presence of USGA handicaps helps maintain fairness while allowing each participant to contribute meaningfully to the round.

Once play concludes, the day continues with an awards luncheon hosted on the resort’s scenic patio. This post-tournament gathering recognizes winning teams, highlights sponsors, and provides another opportunity to raise funds for the causes at the heart of the event. Desert Willow, with its stunning views of the Santa Rosa Mountains and lushly maintained Firecliff and Mountain View courses, offers a setting worthy of the Invitational’s blend of luxury and philanthropy.

Participation in the tournament spans several levels, with sponsorships designed to appeal to corporations, local businesses, and individual donors alike. At the highest tier, presenting sponsors receive naming rights and branding across all event materials, along with premium access to receptions and golf spots. Other sponsorship opportunities provide varying levels of access, visibility, and perks, from reception tickets to on-course recognition. Individual golfers can join the action for a significant contribution, while non-golfers are welcomed at the Saturday evening reception, ensuring that community members who wish to support the cause have ways to participate.

The tournament builds on the momentum of the Grant Fuhr Celebrity Invitational, which celebrated its fourth year at Desert Willow in 2024. That event attracted an impressive roster of athletes and celebrities, including former NBA coach Byron Scott, NFL legend Jim McMahon, Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Allen, and World Series champion David Justice. Their presence not only raised the profile of the event but also underscored its mission of rallying influential figures to benefit local causes. With the addition of the One Valley Foundation as a partner, the 2025 edition is expected to be the most impactful yet.

At its core, the Invitational matters because it bridges the gap between sport and community service. Every dollar raised supports programs that make tangible differences in the lives of young people across the Coachella Valley. The focus on youth sports is particularly meaningful, offering opportunities for children to grow, learn teamwork, and develop confidence through athletic participation. By investing in these programs, the tournament ensures that its influence extends far beyond the greens and into the lives of future generations.

The event also highlights the power of collaboration. By joining the resources and networks of the Grant Fuhr Foundation with those of the One Valley Foundation, the Invitational represents a united front of philanthropy, drawing strength from its diverse supporters. This partnership ensures that the event is not only a glamorous weekend on the golf course but also a sustainable initiative that continues to grow in reach and effectiveness.

Desert Willow Golf Resort serves as the perfect stage. Known for its pristine conditions, creative layouts, and desert beauty, it has long been a favorite among both locals and visitors. Hosting the Invitational here elevates the prestige of the event while reinforcing the Coachella Valley’s reputation as one of the country’s premier golf destinations. Combined with the elegance of the JW Marriott’s reception facilities, the setting contributes as much to the success of the event as the celebrity draw and philanthropic mission.

As the December 2025 tournament approaches, anticipation continues to build. For participants, it promises two days of unforgettable experiences, from the glamour of the reception to the challenge of competing alongside legends on one of the desert’s finest golf courses. For sponsors and supporters, it offers visibility and recognition tied to a cause that resonates deeply in the community. And for the Coachella Valley as a whole, it stands as an opportunity to celebrate the unique blend of sport, charity, and culture that defines the region.

In the end, the One Valley Foundation and Grant Fuhr Foundation Celebrity Invitational will not just be remembered as a golf tournament. It will be remembered as a moment when the community came together—celebrities, athletes, businesses, and residents—to invest in the future of its youth. And that, more than any birdie or trophy, is the true victory the event seeks to achieve.

Timothy J. Pade is the editor and publisher of Desert Golf & Tennis and Desert Sports & Leisure