DANA POINT, Calif. — Aug. 18, 2026 — With support from hundreds of golfers, sponsors and partners, the 2026 San Manuel Golf Tournament raised $450,000 to benefit six nonprofit organizations whose work embodies Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation’s spirit of Yawa', a Maara’yam (Serrano) value meaning "to act on one's beliefs."
Presented by the Tribe and its flagship property, Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel, the annual tournament brought together business leaders, community partners, philanthropists and celebrities to support organizations creating meaningful impact throughout Southern California and beyond.
This year's beneficiaries advance children's health, educational opportunities, Indigenous education and language revitalization, food security, environmental stewardship and community well-being. Together, their work reflects the Tribe's longstanding giving pillars of empowering lives, inspiring future generations, reinforcing healthy and resilient communities, and supporting Indian Country.
“Our charitable giving is rooted in the belief that when communities have access to opportunity, they can thrive,” said Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. “From children's health and education to cultural preservation and environmental stewardship, this year's recipients represent causes that align closely with our values. We are honored to stand alongside these organizations as they continue such meaningful work.”
The 2026 San Manuel Golf Tournament recipients, each receiving a $75,000 unrestricted grant, are:
Rady Children's Health in Orange County (formerly CHOC), a leading pediatric health system serving approximately 250,000 children annually through hospitals, specialty care centers and primary care locations across Southern California. Through advancing hope, health and healing, the organization provides critical care and resources to children and families throughout the region.
American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC), the unifying voice for the nation's 35 Tribal Colleges and Universities. Through advocacy, research and programmatic initiatives, AIHEC supports Indigenous language revitalization, culturally grounded STEM and health education, and economic opportunities for Tribal communities. Collectively, Tribal Colleges and Universities contribute $3.8 billion annually to the U.S. economy and support more than 40,000 jobs nationwide.
Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) has served county residents since 1965 through programs that promote economic stability and self-sufficiency. Its services include food assistance, utility assistance, family development, homeless services and emergency financial support. In 2024 alone, CAPSBC distributed more than 14 million pounds of food and provided 280,828 hot meals to residents throughout San Bernardino County.
Xinewh-ding, Inc. Is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the Hupa language and culture for future generations. Through its full-time Hupa Language Immersion Nest, the organization brings together elders, families and language educators to strengthen cultural connections and promote intergenerational healing. To date, the program has supported 150 individuals, created 105 curriculum resources and provided more than 600 hours of language immersion instruction.
Ocean Institute, a Dana Point-based educational organization that inspires curiosity, discovery and stewardship of the ocean, environment and maritime heritage. Through immersive learning experiences on land and sea, the organization serves more than 100,000 students, educators, families and community members annually while fostering environmental literacy and scientific understanding.
Southern California Mountains Foundation, which has empowered communities to care for public lands across the Inland Empire for more than three decades. Through conservation, restoration and stewardship initiatives, the organization helps preserve natural resources and outdoor spaces while restoring habitats, planting native species and caring for public lands throughout the Inland Empire.
The five-day event was hosted at Monarch Beach Golf Links, one of several properties in Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation’s portfolio of luxury hospitality. This year's tournament also welcomed celebrity guests including Sheryl Lee Ralph, Mekhi Phifer, Michael Chiklis and Lisa Ann Walter, who served as emcee of the annual Yuhaaviatam Reception.
The charitable impact of the San Manuel Golf Tournament reflects a broader commitment to philanthropy by Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. Since the early 2000s, the Tribe has contributed more than $450 million to nonprofit, community and educational organizations.
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About Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation
Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is a federally recognized Native American tribe located on the San Manuel Indian Reservation near Highland, California. Formerly known as the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the Tribe reclaimed its ancestral name, Yuhaaviatam (pronounced “yu-HAH-vee-ah-tahm”), meaning “People of the Pines,” to honor its deep-rooted heritage and enduring legacy.
Exercising its inherent sovereign right to self-governance, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is committed to providing essential services to its citizens through infrastructure development, civil services and programs that promote social, economic and cultural well-being.
As the Indigenous people of the San Bernardino highlands, passes, valleys, mountains, and high deserts, the Yuhaaviatam have called this region home since time immemorial and remain committed to being a productive partner in the San Bernardino region. For more information, visit http://www.sanmanuel-nsn.gov.
