California Bank & Trust, a leading financial institution serving businesses and individuals across California, hosted its inaugural Drive the Dream Golf Tournament in conjunction with San Diego FC and raised $75,000 to benefit the San Diego FC Right to Dream Scholarship Fund. This inaugural event marked the first time community leaders and supporters gathered to champion the future of local student-athletes, setting a new tradition of support and collaboration in their success.
The San Diego FC Right to Dream Scholarship Fund is dedicated to empowering young athletes through elite soccer training, education and character development. By providing essential resources, the fund helps talented student-athletes excel on and off the field, preparing them to become leaders and changemakers in their communities.
“As an educator at San Diego FC Right to Dream Academy, I see firsthand how access to quality training and academic support can directly impact our student-athletes’ lives. The resources provided by this tournament’s generosity enable our student-athletes to pursue excellence, not only in sport but in their education and personal growth,” stated Head of School for San Diego FC Right to Dream Academy Rachelle Minx. “This support is an investment in future leaders who will make a meaningful impact in their communities.”
Proceeds from the tournament will:
• Support travel for student-athletes, helping them maintain strong family connections and emotional well-being.
• Fund academic programs that broaden students-athletes’ perspectives beyond the classroom.
• Provide scholarships that enable student-athletes to pursue higher education and long-term goals.
• Equip schools with essential supplies and resources to foster an engaging and supportive learning environment.
“It’s great to see our community come together to support the San Diego FC Right to Dream Scholarship Fund and invest in the potential of young student-athletes,” said CB&T President and CEO Eric Ellingsen. “This has been an incredible season for San Diego FC, filled with remarkable achievements both on and off the pitch. We’re proud to stand alongside San Diego FC Right to Dream Academy student-athletes as they pursue their dreams and continue to make a positive impact in our region.”
About California Bank & Trust
Headquartered in San Diego, California Bank & Trust has been helping California families and businesses thrive for over 70 years. With local decision-making backed by regional strength, CB&T’s knowledgeable bankers provide personalized solutions that go beyond what traditional banks offer.
CB&T has earned consistent recognition, including being voted:
• “Best Bank” by San Diego Union-Tribune readers for 15 consecutive years
• “Best Commercial Bank” for 12 years running
• “Best Bank” in The Orange County Register and Sacramento Bee readership polls
CB&T is a division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. (NASDAQ: ZION) and has been recognized for its excellence in Middle-Market and Small Business banking by Coalition Greenwich Best Bank Awards.
About San Diego FC
San Diego FC is Major League Soccer’s 30th Club, competing in its inaugural season at Snapdragon Stadium in 2025. The Club is jointly owned by Sir Mohamed Mansour, a distinguished entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with global ties in the sport, and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, the first Native American tribe with a significant ownership stake in a men’s professional team across all major sports leagues. Manny Machado, San Diego’s perennial MLB All-Star, is an investor in the Club, alongside other high-profile partners including World Cup champion Juan Mata, Emmy-nominated actress and producer Issa Rae, and Grammy Award-winning artist Tems. San Diego FC is a proud member of the Right to Dream community, a global network of youth academies and professional football clubs. San Diego FC’s stated vision is to become the epicenter of football excellence and innovation in North America.
Media Contact:
Sarah Bilyeu
California Bank & Trust
sarah.bilyeu@calbt.com
(619) 252-9111