What We Do: Empowering Athletes, Helping Building Future

As 2025 comes to a close, we at El Toro Nonprofit reflects with deep gratitude on a year shaped by generosity, perseverance, and the power of community.

For fifteen years, the the El Toro Fall Bash has been more than a fundraiser. It has been a gathering of belief—bringing together families, mentors, and community members committed to helping student-athletes pursue competitive goals at the local, regional, national, and international levels. This year’s event helped support athletes preparing for elite competitions in Judo, golf, football, wrestling and ice hockey.

One of the evening’s most powerful moments was the return of the 2024 Paralympic silver medalist Liana Mutia, a Millbrook High School graduate who trained at El Toro Judo Club with  Sensei Chester Evans. Ms. Mutia, who lost ver vision gradually, shared her journey and expressed gratitude to donors who had helped support her in her early career. She had earlier in the year presented the Order of Ikkos Medal—a rare honor recognizing a coach’s impact—to Sensei Evans and the El Toro Judo Club, offering a moving reminder of what happens when opportunity meets mentorship.

The fundraiser event also celebrated athletes still building their stories. Judah Harris returned from his first Cadet World Games in Bulgaria and capped a demanding year competing in both judo and high school football and wrestling with Hunt High School, contributing to the team’s appearance at the NCHSAA 4A State Wrestling Championships. He finished first in the WRAL Series of Wrestling HighSchoolOT Invitational Tournament. His journey reflects resilience, family, and the transformative reach of sport.

Rising golf talent was also recognized. Genesis Lewis, an 11th-grade honor student at Granville Early College, finished her season as one of North Carolina’s top performers with a second-place individual finish at the NCHSAA State Championships. Gianna Burnette of Orange High School closed her year with a strong top-15 finish at state, following consistent regional performances.

Additional inspiration came from elite competitors who generously supported the event, including Sara Golden, African Open gold medalist and 2028 Olympic hopeful, and Gustavo Sanchez, 2025 Pan Am Judo Champion—both exemplifying excellence fostered through the El Toro community.

As 2025 ends, one truth stands clear: El Toro Nonprofit is not defined by a single event, but by the collective belief that investing in people changes lives. With heartfelt thanks to every supporter, athlete, volunteer, and mentor, we move into the new year energized and committed to empowering dreams—one athlete at a time.