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Service, Honor, Community.

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Heart & Mind Overcomes All

Dan Henderson: Founder

Our Story

The Hendo Foundation was created with a simple mission: give back to those who give everything.

 

Founded by Dan Henderson—Olympian, MMA legend, and lifelong ambassador of grit and integrity—the foundation reflects the same values that defined his career. Dan spent decades competing against the best in the world, earning respect not just for his historic knockouts, but for the calm, hardworking, humble way he carried himself through every victory and setback.

 

But after retiring from competition, Dan saw something closer to home: many kids in our own community lacked access to guidance, structure, and positive role models. He knew exactly where those things could be found—on the mats. Martial arts builds character. It teaches respect. It gives kids a sense of belonging, purpose, and pride that can change the entire trajectory of their lives.

The Hendo Foundation was built to make that opportunity accessible to any child, regardless of their circumstances. Through scholarships and community support programs, the foundation removes financial barriers and opens the door to life-changing mentorship through martial arts.

This isn’t just charity. It’s an investment in the next generation—an effort to shape young people who are resilient, disciplined, respectful, and ready to take on whatever challenges life brings.

 

When you support the Hendo Foundation, you’re helping create stronger kids, stronger families, and ultimately a stronger Temecula Valley. Together, we’re giving our youth the tools to stand tall, stay focused, and believe in their own potential.

1,000's
Of  Lives Touched

Every Hand Helps Us Grow

Dozens of
Volunteers

Uniting Hearts and Actions

10's of 1,000's
Raised

Milestones of Hope and Change

The Team

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greg brady:

hendo foundation director

Greg Brady serves as Director of The Hendo Foundation, working closely with UFC Hall of Famer Dan Henderson to turn his lifelong commitment to service, discipline, and giving back into impactful programs for veterans, first responders, and young athletes. He oversees foundation operations, brand development, partnerships, sponsorships, and fundraising initiatives that directly support outreach and youth programs, including wrestling and MMA development. An entrepreneur and founder of GB Apparel & Design, Greg brings strong branding, marketing, and storytelling expertise to ensure the foundation maintains a professional presence while expanding its national impact. His leadership is grounded in integrity, accountability, and mentorship, with a clear focus on creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities the foundation serves.

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brandon gonzales: Head of digital media

Brandon Gonzales serves as Head of Digital Media for The Hendo Foundation, bringing a proven marketing and production background spanning high-level MMA events, nonprofit initiatives, and everyday businesses that need results—not buzzwords. Through his company, Crowd Capture Media, Brandon has led video, marketing, and content strategies for gyms, restaurants, brands, and local companies across Southern California, consistently delivering performance-driven creative that converts attention into action. His experience includes working closely with professional MMA organizations and producing media for the USA MMA Youth National Team, giving him a rare understanding of both elite competition and grassroots community impact. Brandon specializes in turning real stories—whether from a nonprofit, small business, or national brand—into polished, high-performing media that drives growth and extends reach.

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sheila york: Founding Board Member

Dan Henderson: Founder

Dan Henderson is a UFC Hall of Famer, Olympic wrestler, and one of the most respected figures in mixed martial arts history, with a career defined by world championships, legendary knockouts, and decades of leadership in combat sports. Through The Hendo Foundation, Dan has successfully carried that same discipline and commitment into philanthropy, including the strong turnout and impact of our charity golf tournament supporting our troops and numerous other causes.

Sheila York is a driving force in Temecula’s business community as the founder and publisher of Our Valley Mag, a widely respected local magazine spotlighting the people, brands, and stories shaping the region. Beyond publishing, Sheila is a highly effective event organizer, known for producing well-executed business events that connect entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders in meaningful ways. Her strength lies in pairing strong editorial vision with real-world networking opportunities, creating platforms that don’t just promote businesses—but actively help them grow.

selanee pendleton:

golf tournament director

Selanée Henderson Pendleton serves as Founding Tournament Chair of The Hendo Charity Golf Tournament, the Foundation’s flagship annual fundraising event, working closely with her brother—UFC Hall of Famer and Foundation President Dan Henderson—to translate the values of discipline, respect, and service into a world-class tournament experience. A PGA Class A Professional and former LPGA/Epson Tour competitor, Selanée brings more than a decade of elite competitive golf experience and deep involvement in pro-am and charitable events, creating an environment that is both first-class and mission-driven.

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Sheila York is a driving force in Temecula’s business community as the founder and publisher of Our Valley Mag, a widely respected local magazine spotlighting the people, brands, and stories shaping the region. Beyond publishing, Sheila is a highly effective event organizer, known for producing well-executed business events that connect entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders in meaningful ways. Her strength lies in pairing strong editorial vision with real-world networking opportunities, creating platforms that don’t just promote businesses—but actively help them grow.

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Our Values

Honor – Recognizing the sacrifice of service members and first responders.

 

Community – Bringing people together through events and outreach.


Service – Making a real, measurable impact for those who serve.


Integrity – Transparent operations and responsible stewardship of donations.

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Success Stories

The Hendo Foundation has already made a real impact, raising tens of thousands of dollars for the Special Forces Charitable Trust, America’s Mighty Warriors, and the War Party Ranch. These funds directly support veterans, Gold Star families, warriors in need, and victims of sexual and domestive violence. The success of these efforts shows how strong and committed our community is to giving back.

Snapshots of Connection 
 

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Follow Our Journey of Impact and Inspiration

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