WATSONVILLE, CA - SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 - 144 players. 49 sponsors. A packed course at Seascape Golf Club. By the end of the day on August 28, a $20,150 check was ready for CASA of Monterey County. It stands as the highest fundraising mark in the tournament's three-year history.

K&D Landscaping called on the Central Coast business sector for its third annual charity golf tournament in Aptos, and local leaders delivered. Every dollar raised goes straight to CASA of Monterey County. The organization trains court-appointed advocates who stand up for youth navigating the foster care and juvenile justice systems.

Tony Battistella, Director of Growth at K&D Landscaping, views the mission through a community lens.

"Seeing the Central Coast step up to raise over twenty thousand dollars is incredible," Battistella said. "Our goal is always to invest in the next generation. This funding ensures these kids get the advocacy they need to build a better future."

Gilda Gonzales, Executive Director of CASA of Monterey County, saw the shared vision immediately when the two organizations first met.

"They've just been incredible and have made it so easy for us to be a part of this beautiful event," Gonzales said.

That effortless coordination is intentional. As K&D marks its 40th anniversary on the Central Coast in 2026, the company operates on a simple truth. The success of the business is permanently tied to the health of the community. Backing the people of Monterey County is not a corporate initiative. It is the foundation of how the company operates. The golf tournament embodied this approach, concluding with a dinner, awards, a raffle, and the final check presentation.

The K&D Classic continues to scale rapidly. Since launching in 2024, it expanded from its inaugural run to a $13,200 contribution for the Friends of Watsonville Animal Shelter last year, leading straight into this year's record-breaker. Preparation for the fourth annual tournament is already in motion. The objective remains identical. Elevate the industry standard and reinvest locally.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer or supporting children in Monterey County's foster care system, visit casaofmonterey.org.

About CASA of Monterey County
CASA of Monterey County recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers who advocate for children and youth in the foster care and juvenile justice systems. Each advocate is appointed by the court and matched with one young person, providing consistent support and a credible voice in every hearing tied to their case.

About K&D Landscaping, Inc.
Celebrating 40 years of service, K&D Landscaping, Inc. is a Watsonville, California based commercial and estate landscape company founded in 1986. Serving California's Central Coast, K&D delivers premium maintenance, design-build, and water management services for commercial properties, HOAs, and private estates.