Land Rover aids Toys for Tots annual golf tourney

The 10th annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Golf Tournament drew a sold-out field of 150 golfers and raised $30,000 for needy Las Vegas children. The Sunrise Vista Golf Course at Nellis Air Force Base played host to the tournament on Nov. 11.

"We raised $30,000 three years ago, but with the economy being what it is, I'm very happy and proud to get that number this year," said tournament director and co-founder Thomas McGrath, adding that the first tournament 10 years ago raised $2,500.

Land Rover Las Vegas is a sponsor of both the Las Vegas Toys for Tots tournament and the third annual Laughlin version, which was held Dec. 3 and drew 57 golfers to the Avi Resort and Casino's Mojave Golf Course.

McGrath, a former Marine, says all the funds raised will stay in Las Vegas and Laughlin to help less fortunate children in those communities. In Las Vegas that amounts to "tens of thousands" according to McGrath and about 400 in the Laughlin area (which also encompasses Bullhead City, Ariz., and Needles, Calif.)

"Nobody wants to see the money go somewhere else," he said.

Land Rover Las Vegas has sponsored both tournaments since their inception, and this year donated a check for $1,500 and 200 bike helmets to the cause.

"(Land Rover Las Vegas general manager) Ray DiNardi has been with me from the start," McGrath says. "He helped me underwrite (the tournament) initially, and from there it has grown and grown. He's always very generous and has helped me grow it into the success it's become."

In addition to making a yearly donation, Land Rover Las Vegas also buys a foursome for the tournament and serves as a drop-off location for Toys for Tots.

"When you can make a difference in a child's life there's nothing else like it," said McGrath.

It's a sentiment DiNardi wholeheartedly shares.

"This is the best charity golf tournament in Las Vegas," he said. "It has been our pleasure to contribute to its growth and help the kids."

Land Rover Las Vegas is located at 5255 W. Sahara Ave., between Decatur and Jones boulevards. Stop by and see the new 2012 models, including the groundbreaking Evoque.