The lush fairways of Glendale Country Club were filled with camaraderie and community spirit as the Bellevue Police Foundation hosted its annual golf tournament. The event drew 156 golfers and raised an impressive $82,230 to support vital Bellevue Police Department initiatives. The day began with perfect late-summer weather and a warm welcome from community partners, volunteers, and officers. Police greeted the golfers with some of their most interesting crime fighting equipment on display – including a bomb sniffing robot dog! Glendale Country Club provided the perfect backdrop, offering impeccable greens and a welcoming atmosphere. Participants were well-fueled thanks to a hearty hot lunch from Chick-fil-A, paired with refreshing specialty drinks from Don’t Yell at Me Boba Tea, a local favorite that was met with happy smiles.

The tournament’s success was fueled by the generosity of sponsors, especially Umpqua Bank, the event’s title sponsor. Brandon Fix, Retail Regional Manager for Umpqua Bank, spoke to the company’s commitment, saying, “We are very proud to support this great tournament. Investing in public safety is investing in the strength of our community.” Tommy Wang, Vice President Business Banking added, “We’re grateful for the chance to join so many others in supporting the Bellevue Police Foundation. It’s inspiring to see our community rally behind the officers who dedicate their lives to our safety.” Steve Hoffmann, President of GLY Construction and Foundation Chair, shared his perspective: “Events like this show how much good can happen when business, police, and the community work together. We’re not just playing golf—we’re building stronger ties that keep Bellevue a safe and thriving place.”

The foursome from accounting firm Sweeney Conrad won the overall tournament, but Major David Sanabria stunned fellow golfers with a hole-in-one on the challenging 15th hole. The shot was flawless—except he chose the wrong hole! On the 6th hole, he would have won a life-changing prize: a $98,000 Land Rover Defender, offered courtesy of Build GC and Bellevue Land Rover. While Major Sanabria missed out on the luxury SUV, the cheers from his team made the moment priceless.

The awards presentation started with the Women in Leadership Scholarship established by retired Chief, Linda Pillo, four years ago. This year’s recipient was Officer Amanda Jackson. Immediately after, Police Chief Wendell Shirley was on hand to witness the raffle excitement at the reception, where golfers vied for experiences such as club-level tickets to a Seattle Kraken game, luxury weekend stays at both the Westin and Hyatt Regency Bellevue complete with dinner at Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi, and many other coveted prizes. Adding a bit of suspense and thrill, the 50/50 raffle had players buzzing. In the end, it was Kevin Falk, co-founder of Nordic Partners Investments, who walked away with a cool $1,200 cash prize, bringing his day to a very lucky close. “Great course, great event, great people, and a great cause,” he enthused.

As the sun set over Glendale’s rolling greens, the tournament concluded with a collective victory for the Bellevue Police Foundation and the community it serves. The funds raised will directly support officer training, safety equipment, and community programs that help the police build stronger, more positive connections with Bellevue residents. Golf, laughter, and goodwill proved to be a winning combination—one that ensures Bellevue continues to shine as a safe, connected, and thriving city.