USMC Vietnam Veteran and PXG Founder, Bob Parsons, issues $1 million matching challenge for California Wildfire Relief Efforts

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TOPSHOT - A firefighter monitors the spread of the Auto Fire in Oxnard, North West of Los Angeles, California, on January 13, 2025. US officials warned "dangerous and strong" winds were set to push deadly wildfires further through Los Angeles residential areas January 12 as firefighters struggled to make progress against the flames. At least 24 people have been confirmed dead from blazes that have ripped through the city, reducing whole neighborhoods to ashes and leaving thousands without homes. (Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT / AFP) (Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP via Getty Images)
A firefighter monitors the spread of the Auto Fire in Oxnard, North West of Los Angeles, California, on January 13, 2025. US officials warned "dangerous and strong" winds were set to push deadly wildfires further through Los Angeles residential areas January 12 as firefighters struggled to make progress against the flames. At least 24 people have been confirmed dead from blazes that have ripped through the city, reducing whole neighborhoods to ashes and leaving thousands without homes. (Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT / AFP) ETIENNE LAURENT

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The positive influence of veterans on the California wildfire relief efforts continues with a USMC Vietnam Veteran and major philanthropic donor, Bob Parsons, stepping in to support Team Rubicon. Team Rubicon is a USMC-founded and veteran-led humanitarian organization that serves global communities during and after disasters and crises.

Renee and Bob Parsons at the Team Rubicon Salute to Service event. Photo courtesy of PXG.

Team Rubicon was co-founded by Robert McNulty and Jake Wood. Parsons, a Marine combat veteran of Vietnam and Purple Heart recipient who has founded multiple companies including Parsons Technology, Go Daddy and PXG has pledged to match donations dollar for dollar up to $1M for Team Rubicon. PXG has led many efforts and commitments to support the communities it serves, especially during disasters and crises.

Bob Parsons in his dress blues during his USMC service. Photo courtesy of Bob Parsons.

Team Rubicon consists of veterans, first responders and civilian volunteers who mobilize in times of need to assist global communities at their darkest hours. It boasts over 180,000 volunteers across the United States. Team Rubicon has been on the front lines of the California wildfires to provide vital assistance and resources to those in need. Greyshirts, Team Rubicon’s name for their volunteers, help carry the burden of first responders through survivor education and supply distribution. They also performed just-in-time mitigation to reduce the risk of future wildfires in Southern California. The organization will continue assisting the community for the months and likely years ahead. 

Zach Iscol, Bob Parsons and Jake Wood at the Team Rubicon Salute to Service Event. Photo courtesy of PXG.

“Seeing the destruction caused by the wildfires has left us heartbroken,” Bob Parsons, Founder of PXG and The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, said in a press release. “As a company deeply rooted in California’s golfing community, we feel a strong responsibility to support our neighbors during this challenging time. By matching donations to Team Rubicon, we hope to amplify the impact of this relief effort and encourage others to join us in bringing assistance to those affected by these unprecedented wildfires.” 

Jake Wood with a victim of the Haiti earthquake in 2009. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and Team Rubicon.

Renee Parsons, CMO of PXG and co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, added, “We have witnessed firsthand the incredible work that Team Rubicon does, not only during natural disasters like these wildfires but also as part of hurricane relief efforts and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their dedication to rebuilding lives and communities is inspiring, and we are honored to support their efforts in this time of need.” 

President Barack Obama greets members of the Team Rubicon disaster relief organization in the Oval Office, Feb. 8, 2013. Participants include: Danielle Harrington, volunteer; James "JC" McGreehan, Mission Leader; William McNulty, Vice President and co-founder; Daniel Nidess, Director of Personnel; Matt Pelak, Director of Strategic Partnerships; Andrew Stevens, Director of Programs; Maria Lourdes Tiglao, Regional Director of Recruitment; and Jacob Wood, President and co-founder. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This photograph is provided by THE WHITE HOUSE as a courtesy and may be printed by the subject(s) in the photograph for personal use only. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not otherwise be reproduced, disseminated or broadcast, without the written permission of the White House Photo Office. This photograph may not be used in any commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, or promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
President Barack Obama greets members of the Team Rubicon disaster relief organization in the Oval Office, Feb. 8, 2013. Participants include: Danielle Harrington, volunteer; James “JC” McGreehan, Mission Leader; William McNulty, Vice President and co-founder; Daniel Nidess, Director of Personnel; Matt Pelak, Director of Strategic Partnerships; Andrew Stevens, Director of Programs; Maria Lourdes Tiglao, Regional Director of Recruitment; and Jacob Wood, President and co-founder. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) Pete Souza

Matching Team Rubicon will help the organization expand in California and provide the needed resources for the ground-based support, recovery and rebuilding efforts. The funds will support logistics, supplies and volunteer operations which will ensure the people most affected get the aid they so desperately need. “PXG and The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation continue to invest in our mission, allowing us to assist more communities,” Team Rubicon CEO Art delaCruz said in the same release. “Los Angeles is where we are based, and we are committed to our neighbors along with those impacted by disaster across the nation. This is just the beginning of our work in Southern California, we are ready for the long haul.” DelaCruz is a Navy veteran who served 22 years as a Naval Officer and Naval Aviator, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Commanded a Navy Striker Fighter Squadron and served as a TOPGUN (Navy Fighter Weapon School) instructor.

Art delaCruz with Bob Parsons at the Team Rubicon Salute to Service Event. Photo courtesy of PXG.

PXG encourages people to contribute to the relief efforts however they can, as every dollar donated will be matched up to $1 million. Together, we can help restore hope and rebuild lives in the wake of this disaster.  

To donate or to learn more about Team Rubicon, visit www.teamrubiconusa.org.

For more information about PXG, visit www.pxg.com.