Legacy of Service: Connie Sparks Memorial and Chris Martinez Open Golf Tournament

On Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20, golfers gathered at the San Vicente Golf Course to participate in the 10th annual Connie Sparks Memorial Golf Tournament and 1st Annual Chris Martinez Open. John Sparks started the Connie Sparks Memorial Golf Tournament in honor of his mother to support City of Hope and those battling cancer.

San Vicente Golf Resort has been a refuge and go-to destination for the Sparks family for over four decades. It has been a wonderful place in Southern California to stay and play as much golf as they can for two weeks a year. They have become a part of the community during those annual visits since 1981. John’s father, John Sparks Sr., was the golfer in the family. He was a +2 player until he was 55 years old. His golf handicap was still a 6 when he passed away in 2007 at the age of 83. “Our whole family revolved around golf, golf events and golf vacations. My Mom would complain she was a golf widow. So, we thought it fitting that the golf tournament would be named after her. And we used that to create this event and raise monies and awareness for all types of Cancer and the City of Hope.”

Connie passed away on June 27, 2012, from breast cancer. She was diagnosed with very aggressive breast cancer in her 80s and, during that time, developed a close bond with her doctor from City of Hope, Dr. Arti Hurria. City of Hope is one of 57 National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated comprehensive centers in the U.S. Connie told her doctor that she wanted to see her grandkids graduate from high school and college. Dr. Hurria used those goals to create a program that would give Connie some time and hope. This program succeeded in giving Connie time to accomplish her goals and is used with geriatric cancer patients today.  Connie was a registered nurse all her life and was able to give back well into her 80s, continuing her legacy of service.

This year’s 1st annual Open honored Chris Martinez, a frequent visitor to Ramona, who passed away from Bile Duct Liver Cancer in January 2022. “He never missed a Ramona golf event for over 30 years.” He loved Ramona and enjoyed playing golf here. He helped John Sparks start Blue Sky Golf in 2009 and was instrumental in making it what it is today. His wife, Bea Martinez, acted as the Ambassador for the weekend’s Open.

They added ALS this year because John has a close friend, Mike “Frosty” Foster, who is battling ALS. “He is in the fight of his life, and we want to support him and his family.” Mike has been present at all the golf tournaments and made every Connie Sparks Memorial. Mike’s group, “Team Frosty,” is fundraising and raising awareness for ALS year-round. So, ALS has been added to this event and will be every year. Mike was present on both days and acted as Ambassador for the event. “Adding Chris and Mike seemed like the right thing to do. After the pandemic, it all made sense.”

The fundraiser had more sponsorship this year than ever. They had great swag bags and good raffle ticket items. They also added a silent auction. “The sky is the limit to expand our event and raise more money and awareness.” The tee sponsors included City of Hope, Brighton Best International, Maslaf, Pull Patch, Team Frosty, J&J Services Consulting, DP Promotions and Blue Sky.

The fundraisers have brought in a minimum of $3k every year, and John hopes to continue increasing that amount. Their goal this year was $10k. With that goal met, they have raised approximately $25-30k, maybe more since the beginning.

Photos courtesy of John Sparks.