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3rd Annual Henry Prendes Charity Golf Classic Raises more than $18,000 for Henry’s Place Youth Camp

The 3rd Annual Henry Prendes Charity Golf Classic, held on Friday, March 27, 2009 at Angel Park Golf Course, was an overwhelming success, with initial net proceeds totaling more than $18,000 for Henry’s Place. This year marks the biggest net proceeds donated over the last three years.

Henry’s Place, a non-profit organization, was formed in 2006 to honor Metro Sgt. Henry Prendes who gave his life protecting his hometown community of Las Vegas. Before his death, the Prendes family had the desire to start a camp for underprivileged youth. This past summer, a 14-acre parcel of land has been purchased in Cedar City, UT as the future home of Henry’s Place. This year’s tournament kicked off the building fund to begin constructing cabins and facilities on the property.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for their support and tireless efforts in making this year’s event such a tremendous success,” said Dawn Prendes, widow of Sgt. Prendes. “From Metro’s involvement and the generous donations of friends and local businesses, to the media who helped us spread the word, I am sincerely grateful to everyone who is helping keep his legacy, and our dream, alive.”

Joining Dawn Prendes in honoring Henry and lending their support were L.V.M.P.D. Sheriff Douglas C. Gillespie, Rick Upchurch (Denver Broncos) golf pros Mike Dobbyn, 2007 RE/Max World Long Drive Champion who holds the World’s Record for the longest drive of 551 yards, and Debbie Dahmer, star of the Golf Channel’s “The Big Break,” among others.

The highlight of the morning was “Golf Balls from Heaven” where a Metro helicopter took 1300 pre-numbered and pre-sold golf balls up and dropped them over the driving range. This fundraiser netted more than $3,000 alone.

“Henry was an avid golfer, and I can just picture him throwing golf balls down from Heaven in celebration of this event,” said Prendes. “It was an amazing sight watching golf balls shower down over the range.”

For more information on “Henry’s Place Foundation,” or to make a donation, please visit www.henrysplace.org.