standing mentor for the city’s youth.
Friends and colleagues said Crocker loved working with young people, and especially enjoyed leading them on PAL-sponsored outdoor trips. PAL is a nonprofit organization that works to give kids a place to go after school to study, play, be safe and, most importantly, stay out of trouble. Crocker helped prepare kids for SAT exams, started a book club, and took them on camping and hiking trips, the latter becoming tests of endurance.
A committee has been formed to determine where the money from the golf tournament should be spent. It will most likely go toward funding new programs for kids at PAL.
“The committee is looking at how to best honor Rick and his love of education, the outdoors, the Dodgers,” said PAL Director Patty Loggins-Tazi.
Dozens of sponsors chipped in toward the effort, with more than $15,000 given in cash and in-kind services. The Santa Monica Police Officers Association and Bernzott Capital Advisors both donated $5,000 apiece. A raffle raised $6,000 and winners received everything from $1,500 watches to vacation packages to spa gift certificates and airline tickets — all of which was donated by sponsors.
Loggins-Tazi said the fundraising efforts exceeded her initial goal of $20,000.
The tournament, which drew 144 golfers and was sold out within 24 hours, will be held again next year.
“We hope it gets bigger and better,” Loggins-Tazi said.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 3, 2006. Read the original PDF.