ONTARIO, CA (May 15, 2026): The Hays Group served as a presenting sponsor of the 2026 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & The Inland Empire Topgolf Tournament, held last night at Topgolf Ontario. The evening raised a record $150,000, the most in the organization’s history, to fund one-to-one mentorship for underserved youth across Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
The Hays Group committed $15,000 as a presenting sponsor, joining U.S. Bank, which led the way with a $20,000 signature sponsorship. More than 30 bays of Inland Empire business leaders, clients, and community partners filled the venue for an evening of golf, food, and purpose.
In Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, nearly one in four children grows up facing economic hardship, with limited access to consistent adult mentorship and opportunity. That reality has long-term consequences for education, income, and mobility, and it is the gap Big Brothers Big Sisters has worked to close in the region for decades.
“As Board Chair, I get to see firsthand what happens when the Inland Empire business community shows up for our kids,” said Kirby Hays, CEO of The Hays Group and Board Chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & The Inland Empire. “The Hays Group stepped up not because of the number, but because leadership means going first, especially when the return is measured in lives changed.”
Why Mentorship Matters
Research consistently shows that youth enrolled in Big Brothers Big Sisters programs are:
- 46% less likely to use illegal drugs
- 52% less likely to skip school
- 33% less likely to hit someone
Mentoring also helps close nearly two-thirds of the economic mobility gap for underserved youth, making it one of the few charitable investments that delivers measurable, long-term economic and social returns for the region.
Investing Locally, Building Generationally
Every dollar raised at the tournament stays in the Inland Empire, funding mentorship matches that change the trajectory of a young person’s life. That’s why The Hays Group shows up. The team believes the Inland Empire gets stronger when local businesses back local kids.“This event isn’t about golf,” Hays said. “It’s about changing and shaping the trajectory of our Inland Empire for the next 50 years.”
The Hays Group thanks Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & The Inland Empire, fellow sponsors, and every business leader who showed up to make this year’s tournament the most successful in the organization’s history. Companies interested in partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters as Gold or Silver sponsors, or in learning more about future events, are encouraged to reach out directly.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & The Inland Empire
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & The Inland Empire creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. The organization serves children and families across Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties.
Media Contact
David Fuentes
Business Development
The Hays Group
dfuentes@halhays.com