First Tee – Greater Richmond – Page 9 – First Tee

Over $90,000 Raised for National Event

The First Tee of Greater Richmond is hosting The First Tee National Par-3 Championship this week at The Kanawha Club in Manakin-Sabot, VA. While this event is a national participant opportunity, it also serves as a major fundraising event for the local host chapter. 16 event sponsors, both corporate and individual, contributed over $90,000 in funds to support ongoing youth programs for The First Tee of Greater Richmond.

The First Tee National Par-3 Championship Kick-Off Dinner

The week kicked off on Wednesday evening with a celebratory dinner gathering sponsors, guests, Board members, and 32 participants of The First Tee from around the country. Special Guest Jim Dodson also joined the evening to deliver a message about the game of golf and its positive impact on his life, relating to all guests present.

The First Tee National Par-3 Championship Junior/Am Tournament

The excitement continued into Thursday as sponsor foursomes joined participants of The First Tee in a 9-hole competition spread across two waves in a best two balls format. Guests also experienced The First Tee firsthand through a putting contest with SNAG equipment. Congratulations to the following winners: 9am wave: Interface and Elena Anderson (-3), Champion; 1607 Capital Partners and Madison Harwell/Ty Aulger (-2), Runner-Up 3pm wave: Mike Walton and Courtney Cervelle/Drew Greene (-3), Champion; Spider Management and Meredith Kiernan/Bradley Wong (E), Runner-Up

Thank you to everyone who made this fundraising event possible. Because of you, The First Tee of Greater Richmond is able to continue positively impacting the lives of youth in our community.

Meet Our 2018 Summer Interns

The First Tee of Greater Richmond’s Summer Internship Program is in its fourth year! Summer Interns are responsible for helping to guide and coach young people to become responsible citizens and active golfers through the delivery of daily life skill and golf instruction in summer camp. The Summer Internship Program will: introduce interns to inspiring young people; develop interactions with families, board members, staff and other constituents of The First Tee of Greater Richmond; expose interns to all elements of a thriving, growing, and successful nonprofit in the Richmond area including but not limited to marketing strategies, fundraising, and professional development.

Meet our Interns

We are pleased to introduce our EIGHT summer interns. Click their names to learn more about each aspiring young leader.

Lain Barclay

School: The University of Georgia Major: Economics

Peyton Broach

School: Radford University Major: Marketing

Kathryn Cardenas

School: The University of Virginia Major: Commerce

Reynolds Griffith

School: Washington and Lee University Major: European History

Luke Guenther

School: The University of Georgia Major: Communication Studies

Morgan Hoff

School: Virginia Commonwealth University Major: Public Relations

Trey Kelleher

School: James Madison University Major: Sports Management

Josephina Oh

School: The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Major: PGA Golf Management

RVA to Host National Participant Opportunity

Each year, The First Tee of Greater Richmond welcomes 32 participants from around the country to attend The First Tee National Par-3 Championship. Hosted at The Kanawha Club, this national participant opportunity not only provides deserving youth with a platform to showcase their golf skills, but also highlights the good work behind The First Tee’s mission: teaching life skills and core values beyond the course.

This year, participants arrive in Richmond on June 12th to begin their six-day experience consisting of three main components:

1. life skill development

Participants will work on life skill development through dorm living at the University of Richmond, interaction with participants from around the country, and engagement with local supporters. On Wednesday, June 13th, a Kick-Off Dinner brings sponsors and friends of the Richmond community gather to meet The First Tee participants and hear from special guest, American Sportswriter James Dodson. The First Tee National Par-3 Championship Junior/Am Tournament on Thursday, June 14th provides participants an opportunity to engage with event

sponsors in a 9-hole.

2. East vs. West: The Territory Cup

Prior to individual stroke play, participants will represent their territory, East and West, in a team match-play format. The Tattersall Youth Development Center at The First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course is set to host this year’s Territory Cup the morning of Wednesday, June 13th.

3. THE FIRST TEE NATIONAL PAR-3 CHAMPIONSHIP

The purpose of The First Tee’s National Par-3 Championship is to provide a top-tier player experience for exemplary participants of The First Tee from around the country. This event provides 32 participants the opportunity to play in a 36-hole competition – 18-holes of individual stroke play on Friday, June 15th and 18-holes of individual stroke play on Saturday, June 16th. Total scores determine the Boys’ and Girls’ National Par-3 Champion.

The First Tee of Greater Richmond is proud to host this annual event to celebrate The First Tee mission fulfilled in the lives of young people. Event support directly benefits annual operations and programs. For all questions about supporting this event, please contact Madison Medlin, Senior Director of Marketing and Events: [email protected].

Winter’s Harsh Reality

Last fall, the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range re-opened after receiving a $1.2 million facelift which included renovations to the clubhouse, the addition of two TrackMan 4 simulators, reshaping and re-sodding of the driving range, and converting the greens on course to Champion Bermuda grass. The Richmond community, golfers and non-golfers alike, embraced these improvements with ease showing increased use of the public golf facility, thus confirming the great work accomplished through the renovation. But unfortunately, Mother Nature welcomed us to the reality of living in a transition zone state – a place where extreme weather in all seasons poses challenges for each turf species. This winter was no exception.

THE EFFECT

According to a study¹ between the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Virginia Cooperative Extension, “We had spring in February, revisited winter during March, then went through the weather roller coaster ride that is April and early May in [Virginia].” And our upgraded turf, specifically Champion Bermuda, took a hit. While we saw improvements over the last two weeks, further evaluation proved selective tees and other areas could not rebound to its original, immaculate condition.

The RECOVERY

*The Latitude Bermuda Practice Tee Remains Open*

As we recover from the winter damage, all greens at the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range will undergo re-sprigging with Champion Bermuda. During this time, we will also further enhance the practice facility by leveling out the putting green. This course renewal project is estimated to begin early June and continue for an eight-week period. The main practice tee and driving range were not affected and will continue to operate as normal throughout the summer. Your patience is appreciated as we close the 6-hole golf course and practice greens during this time of re-grassing. All youth programs (classes & camps) and community-wide events will be unaffected and will proceed as normal.

OUR COMMITMENT

The First Tee of Greater Richmond is committed to maintaining a premier facility for our youth, our patrons, and our partners. In the meantime, we welcome you to utilize the grass tee driving range and the indoor TrackMan 4 simulators to improve your game. For club fitting or private lessons please see a member of our professional staff. Click here to stay informed about this process. For all questions, please contact: Kelly McAnally, Senior VP of Operations – [email protected]

¹2018 Turfgrass Winterkill Update

Local Seeks Local

The Richmond community is filled with businesses and organizations seeking a common goal: serving the community to strengthen its local connections and diversify its consumer base. In this endeavor, no business or organization is too unique to make a difference – and thanks to Richmond Wine Station, The First Tee of Greater Richmond will be beneficiary of their inaugural Appreciation Month in June.

Making the connection

Locally rooted in Scott’s Addition, Richmond Wine Station thirsted for an opportunity to tie themselves to the RVA community. As a result, Jeff Wells, Senior Partner of RWS, began an endeavor to give back to “good organizations that are delivering high quality services to our local people.” Richmond Wine Station Appreciation Month will engage customers, old and new, in a mission to connect with the RVA community.

Why The First Tee?

While The First Tee is a national organization, the Greater Richmond chapter is making a difference locally – and Jeff Wells is not shy to unveil his experience. “The First Tee is a great program and the youth I’ve met are incredible. This is a program that really affects a life,” he says. Collaborating with The First Tee of Greater Richmond will meet the goal behind Richmond Wine Station Appreciation Month and proceeds will ensure high quality, mission-driven ongoing youth programs at The First Tee.

Our youth are everything. If we can change the course of one child’s life then you indirectly change the lives of ten others.” – Jeff Wells*, Senior Partner, Richmond Wine Station

*A special thanks to Jeff for his pledge to match 100% of proceeds generated for The First Tee of Greater Richmond upon completion of the Richmond Wine Station Appreciation Month. He’s challenging YOU to join him!

join us in june

The First Tee of Greater Richmond will receive 10% of revenue generated at Richmond Wine Station on Wednesdays and Sundays throughout the month of June. Visit their website to view food and beverage offerings. Hours of Operation: Wednesdays, 4pm to 11pm; Sundays, 3pm to 8pm Location: 2930 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230 For questions regarding this partnership, please contact: Madison Medlin, Senior Director of Marketing & Events – [email protected]

Make Summer Count

Looking for something your child can do this summer that is both fun AND educational? Consider an activity that keeps them active while learning values and life skills that will help in school and at home: GOLF. The First Tee of Greater Richmond is the perfect fit. We offer camps and 8-week programs all summer long – all skill levels welcome!

three reasons why your child should learn golf this summer

ANYONE CAN PLAY

Golf is for everyone – and it’s a lifelong sport! We offer youth golf programs and summer camps to youth ages 4 to 17, no matter their background or experience – and scholarships are available! Our policy is to provide access to programs regardless of a participant’s ability to play.

MORE TIME OUTSIDE

Studies¹ show that kids are spending less time outside these days. Coaches at The First Tee teach participants the game of golf through experience-based learning – on the driving range, the practice greens, or the golf course.

golf is more than a game

While learning the game of golf, The First Tee delivers seamless lesson plans teaching life skills, core values, and healthy habits through the game of golf. This character education program provides a fun, active environment to teach youth how to set goals, resolve conflicts, communicate, and manage emotions.

make your summer count

Registration is open! Give us an opportunity to teach your child more than a sport this summer – we will teach life skills that last.

The First Tee golf Camp

We offer seven weeks of camp, both half day and full day options available. Click here to learn more! The First Tee Golf Camp FAQs

8-week Summer Programs

Summer programs begin June 19th at both programming facilities – click the links below to view class schedules: The Tattersall Youth Development Center at The First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range

Sources:

https://www.childinthecity.org/2018/01/15/children-spend-half-the-time-playing-outside-in-comparison-to-their-parents/

The 2017 Annual Review

The First Tee of Greater Richmond shares annual reviews to summarize the great achievements of our work. Because of your support of our mission, our programs help kids become better golfers – but even more importantly – better people who strengthen the character of our community.

The 2017 annual review: A Summary

Impact. Positively impacting the lives of young people through character education using golf as its context. Collaboration. Collaboratively connecting with the RVA community through intentional partnerships with other youth-serving organizations. Expansion. Expanding the footprint of The First Tee National School Program to 127 total elementary schools. Innovation. Integrating innovative initiatives in renovation efforts to provide the utmost experience for the youth, patrons, and investors in RVA. Investment. Ensuring partner investments provide the chapter with new opportunities to strengthen the character of our community.

Click here to read our 2017 Annual Review

From our leadership

This publication is a chance for us to share our achievements and progress over the past year, while also highlighting all the special people committed to our great mission. We delight in the opportunity to thank you and other supporters by showcasing how we’ve invested your dollars and other commitments. – Mike Walton, Board Chair I am excited to share with you the 2017 Annual Review. With your support, The First Tee of Greater Richmond will continue to expand its reach to impact the lives of more young people. Thank you for investing in the youth of our community. – Brent Schneider, CEO

**Pictured from left to right**: Mayor Levar Stoney, Ed McLaughlin, VCU Vice President & Director of Athletics, Brent Schneider, CEO, and Mike Walton, Board Chair at the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range grand reopening in October.

Building Tomorrow’s Leaders

The First Tee of Greater Richmond’s youth grow up to become leaders and positive influences on their community through positive youth development. Developing leaders requires recognizing then enhancing young people’s strengths – and our organization understands how. The First Tee uses golf a way to create supportive and positive environments needed to build on personal strengths. Through opportunities and positive mentoring relationships, youth today become leaders of tomorrow.

The First Tee of Greater Richmond Junior Leadership Board

The Junior Leadership Board provides young leaders with a chance to build onto their resume and put many of the skills learned from The First Tee classes in action. With monthly meetings to enhance leadership skills and share personal successes, participants are guaranteed to enjoy an interactive opportunity with their peers. In addition to leadership development activities, youth will collaborate to plan, organize, and lead special events – including a golf tournaments and fundraising events. APPLY TODAY

* Eligibility: Applicants must be Birdie Level (11) and higher.

* Application deadline: May 25th

BECOME A junior leadership board MENTOR

Your strengths are valuable to our youth – join the Junior Leadership Board as an adult mentor! Sit in on meetings, guide youth through Q&A sessions, and be a resource to their future. If you are interested in serving as a mentor to the Junior Leadership Board, please contact Emily Weinstein, Senior VP of Impact – [email protected].

Local participation leads to national opportunity

The First Tee of Greater Richmond doesn’t just get kids on the course, it offers them exciting opportunities for growth. With the help of our corporate partners, The First Tee hosts a series of events to more advanced participants, allowing them to meet new people, play golf, achieve greatness, and show off core values in action.

taking the next steps

Select your event: The First Tee is hosting 10 exciting junior golf and leadership events this year for teen participants. Submit your application: Ed Gill, Director of Instruction, will review before final submission. Most of the events have a selection process that includes an application reviewed by a committee. Download the 2018 National Participant Opportunities Info Sheet 2018 National Participant Opportunities are underway – to apply for events with deadlines already passed, stay connected with us for next year’s event application releases.

BRINGing IT LOCAL: support a national opportunity in rva

*Sponsor foursomes play with event participants.*

The First Tee of Greater Richmond hosts and benefits from The First Tee National Par-3 Championship every June. The event gathers 32 high-schoolers, nominated by their local chapters, who put The First Tee Nine Core Values into practice in their lives and through their golf skills. Support from this event will directly benefit The First Tee of Greater Richmond’s annual operations and programs. For all questions about supporting The First Tee National Par-3 Championship, please contact Madison Medlin, Senior Director of Marketing and Events: [email protected]

Connecting the RVA Community

The First Tee of Greater Richmond is proud to connect with and engage other local youth-serving organizations through dynamic partnerships. For over ten years, The Children’s Hospital Foundation and The First Tee have collaborated to build a platform for youth to network, lead, and exemplify positive character education.

mission Alignment

Like The First Tee of Greater Richmond, The Children’s Hospital Foundation is dedicated to tomorrow’s leaders. Through character education to increase life skill development and pediatric initiatives to advance the status of youth health care, the two organizations strive to positively impact the lives of youth in our region.

Children Fore Children Golf Tournament

Youth ages 5-18 participate in the event.

The First Tee instills core values like honesty, integrity, and respect on and off the green. The Children’s Hospital Foundation gives junior golfers a way to reinforce these values through the Children Fore Children Golf Tournament. The participants have a chance to put these principles into action on the course during play and off the course through individual fundraising efforts. “We love the Children Fore Children Golf Tournament because it provides a wonderful opportunity to children in the community to participate in a great game of golf but more importantly to help other kids! It is wonderful to see how passionate the junior golfers are about supporting other kids right here in our community.” – Stephanie Allan, Vice President for Community Development

Become a partner today

The First Tee of Greater Richmond seeks to engage partners whose mission and objectives align and where opportunities to exist to maximize the impact on the community. For partnership opportunities, please contact: Emily Weinstein, Senior VP of Impact: [email protected].

Why Should You Become A Mentor?

Relationships matter. Especially mentoring relationships. In fact, they’re life-changing. Mentoring relationships are a shared opportunity for learning and growth – and The First Tee of Greater Richmond is helping.

the power of relationships

Without caring mentors, positive youth development doesn’t just happen. Research has shown that young people in The First Tee refer to their coaches as mentors. Our youth participants believe coaches care about them, help them set goals, and inspire them to use the skills they’ve learned far beyond golf. The First Tee coaches build supportive relationships based on empathy, high positive expectations, and advocacy.¹ See what coaches around The First Tee Network have to say about the relationships they formed:

make a difference today

If you are considering mentoring a young person, we are the right fit. No prior golf skills are necessary to teach life skills or core values – the sport is a perfect platform for helping young people develop character because just like in life, players experience the highs and lows of the game. Contact Berkley Jackson, Program Coordinator, to get involved: [email protected].

¹“A Lasting Impact: The First Tee’s Role in Fostering Positive Youth Development,” 2015, Springfield College Center for Youth Development and Research

2017 – A Year of Growth

Volunteer Mike Hott assists with a swing.

The First Tee of Greater Richmond made great strides in 2017. Thanks to support from our donors, over 80,000 area youth received The First Tee curriculum in Life Skills Experience classes, elementary schools, and community partnerships.

The First Tee Life Skills Experience

Over 1,000 youth participated in on-course Life Skills Experience programs this year. Additionally, both female participation (+3%) and teen participation (+13%) increased from 2016.

The First Tee National School Program

The First Tee National School Program expanded into 58 additional elementary schools (to total 127) in the Richmond metro area to reach over 30,000 more youth. The First Tee also hosted over 20 events beyond National School Program delivery such as field trips, field days, and outreach programs.

Collaborative Community Partnerships

The First Tee of Greater Richmond partnered with 27 community partners throughout the year impacting 11,000 youth. A few partners to highlight include: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mary and Frances Youth Center Lobs and Lessons, Boys and Girls Club, Central Virginia Autism Society, Peter Paul Youth Development Center, Will2Golf, and The Fleming Fund. The First Tee also added 19 more DRIVE locations. With continued support, The First Tee of Greater Richmond will drive more youth forward in 2018. It is through our youth programs, collaborative partnerships, and ongoing relationships that we will strengthen the character of the Richmond community. MAKE YOUR IMPACT