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Fairways for Warriors: Driven Forward by Golf

On Memorial Day, The First Tee of Greater Richmond sought an opportunity to honor our warriors. Whether their past consists of making the ultimate sacrifice for our nation or their present consists of serving throughout the community, the first annual Fairway for Warriors Memorial Tournament brought together the greatest among us. Similarly to The First Tee using golf as a method to teach life skills, Fairways for Warriors is a non-profit organization that uses golf to provide support to combat veterans for essential care. Stemmed from a partnership with veterans and service members throughout the state and Fort Lee, the connection between the two organizations is natural and mission-driven.

The camaraderie and challenges of golf aids combat wounded veteran’s journey towards rehabilitation and healing. – Fairway for Warriors ¹

Almost 60 players attended the event. Included in the pool was Command Sergeant major Michael J. Perry, III, the Combined Arms Support Command senior enlisted adviser, and two teams with The First Tee participants. Supported by local sponsors, this impactful outing raised nearly $5,000 for Fairways for Warriors towards establishing a chapter in Virginia. The First Tee seeks ways to be an asset to the RVA community and looks forward to supporting this organization and many others to honor those who have served and continue to do so.

Engage with us!

For all questions about community events or volunteer opportunities with The First Tee of Greater Richmond and their programming facilities, please contact Kelly McAnally, Senior VP of Operations: [email protected].

Thalhimer Gives to The First Tee RVA

The First Tee of Greater Richmond welcomes community partners seeking opportunities to engage with our organization. Through volunteer work, corporate events, or group golf outings, The First Tee’s programming facilities offer a space for collaboration, innovation, and inclusion. Thanks to Thalhimer and their “Thalhimer Gives” program, The Tattersall Youth Development Center at

The First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course received needed touch-ups in preparation for the clubhouse renovation to begin this fall. The group assisted The First Tee with painting projects, clean-up inside and outside of the clubhouse, and golf cart refurbishment.

We are very grateful for Thalhimer and their employees who volunteered for various clean-up projects at The Tattersall Youth Development Center as we prepare for the upcoming clubhouse renovation. Their efforts certainly enhanced the first-impression of the facility for our participants, families, patrons, and community partners as we gear up for our popular Summer programs and camps. – Kelly McAnally, Senior VP of Operations, The First Tee of Greater Richmond

About the Thalhimer Gives Program

Thalhimer Gives is a company initiative focused on increasing community involvement and charitable giving. Through Thalhimer Gives, associates have the opportunity to actively engage in the community by donating financially, providing much-needed supplies, and giving generously of their time to local organizations.¹

Engage with us!

For all questions about community events or volutneer opportunities with The First Tee of Greater Richmond and their programming facilities, please contact Kelly McAnally, Senior VP of Operations: [email protected].

Founding Board Member & National Trustee Inducted Into Robins School of Business Alumni Hall of Fame

Bobby Ukrop, Chairman and CEO of Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods, recognized on February 21, 2019.

(RICHMOND, Virginia) – Last week, Founding Board Member of The First Tee of Greater Richmond and National Trustee of The First Tee received recognition through the University of Richmond’s Robins School of Business. The Robins School of Business Alumni Hall of Fame award and induction are given annually to recognize an alumnus or alumna of the University of Richmond who graduated 10 or more years previously and has made significant accomplishments in business and service ^1. In addition to his 40-year career at Ukrop’s Super Markets, Bobby Ukrop is an accomplished community leader. Not only did he serve as a catalyst in starting The First Tee locally 20 years ago, he is currently an Emeritus Board Member of The First Tee of Greater Richmond offering annual support and guidance to chapter.

“Bobby Ukrop is a great example to us all; he’s a man who truly lives The First Tee’s Nine Core Values. He is a strategic visionary for good and has a unique ability to bring people together. Over the years, through his passion and nonstop energy Bobby has positively touched the lives of thousands of people in the Richmond community.”
– Brent Schneider, CEO, The First Tee of Greater Richmond

Thank you, Bobby, for your commitment to The First Tee of Greater Richmond and the surrounding community of RVA.

MORE NEWS RELEASES

Robins School of Business

A Message From Our CEO

The First Tee of Greater Richmond is strengthening the character of our community by providing programs that build resilience in our youth, teach critical life skills, and provide caring adult supervision in a safe environment. All of our programs are based on The First Tee Nine Core Values, which are essential for young people to make positive choices and overcome challenges. In a study of participants, 82% felt more confident in their engagement with peers because of their involvement with The First Tee, while 85% of alumni credit the program for helping them become better students. Our participants are learning more than just golf. We are impacting the lives of young people by providing programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices. In addition to our program offerings, we operate two public golf facilities: The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range near downtown Richmond and The Tattersall Youth Development Center at The First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course. Both facilities provide an inclusive environment for both program participants and thousands of golf patrons annually, making our organization a multi-faceted resource for youth and families in our area. The time is now. Please join me by making an annual gift to The First Tee of Greater Richmond. Your support will allow us to continue addressing the needs of young people in our community by providing high-quality, positive youth development programs that build up children of all backgrounds. Sincerely, Brent Schneider, CEO [email protected] Click here & join our mission

Volunteers Raise $65,000 for Youth Programs

The Leadership Advisory Board and friends of The First Tee completed another successful year of the Longest Day of Golf and Birdies & Brews – two events that make up one major fundraising endeavor for the organization. In its fourth year, these valuable volunteers raised $65,000 for The First Tee of Greater Richmond. Support from special events provide the organization with needed support to carry out dynamic youth development programs to the young people of RVA.

The Longest day of golf

The two-day event kicked off on Friday, October 12th with the 2018 Longest Day of Golf. At The Tattersall Youth Development Center at The First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course, 18 players played golf from 8am to 5pm while soliciting support through their individual fundraising pages.

Birdies & Brews

The following evening, Birdies & Brews completed the fun – open to the public, over 140 guests purchased tickets to receive unlimited golf, live music, and food and beverage at The Elson Redmond

Memorial Driving Range. Thank you to our event entertainment sponsors:

BEVERAGE SPONSORS

Stone Brewing RVA

Belle Isle Craft Spirits

Richmond Wine Station

FOOD SPONSOR

Salt and Forge

Live Music

Stillwater Hum We cannot wait until next year’s event – stay connected with us for a save the date in the upcoming months. We welcome new sponsors in 2019!

For all event questions, please contact: Madison Medlin, Senior Director of Marketing & Events: [email protected]

Women & Golf – A Parfect Relationship

The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range

hosted an event new to its kind on Thursday evening. Capital Bank and the City of Richmond gathered the community’s Women of Influence to network and introduce The First Tee through golf games – some of which taught by young women enrolled in our LPGA Girls Golf Program. Gail Letts, Board Member of The First Tee of Greater Richmond, lead efforts alongside Patricia Foster and Jane Ferrara. The diverse group of women talked about the importance of women participation in golf and the benefits it provides in networking – both in business life and in personal life.

Thanks to local food and beverage sponsors, guests enjoyed hor d’oeuvres from Soul N Vinegar, wine from Richmond Wine Station, and beer from Stone Brewing RVA.

#INVITEHER

This empowering event, Women & Golf – A Parfect Relationship, comes alongside a new campaign launch from LPGA*USGA Girls Golf. In coordination with the LPGA Women’s Network, LPGA Teaching & Club Professionals, and the We Are Golf Women’s Task Force, #inviteHER is nationwide. The LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Program describes it as “a campaign to encourage golfers to inspire the women in their lives to play golf and will focus on the friendly invite to prospective golfers which can be initiated through a specific event, a visit to a local driving range or Topgolf, taking a lesson, or playing a few holes.” And The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range and The First Tee of Greater Richmond is a proud supporter of this invitation.

Host your event with us!

For more information about hosting your next business outing, teambuilding activity, or networking event, please contact: Kelly McAnally, Senior VP of Operations – [email protected].

Thank you, Richmond Wine Station!

In June, The First Tee of Greater Richmond served as the beneficiary of Richmond Wine Station‘s Inaugural Appreciation Month. This endeavor sparked from Jeff Wells, Senior Partner of RWS, and his thirst to give back to “good organizations that are delivering high quality services to our local people.” During Appreciation Months, 10% of revenue generated at Richmond Wine Station on Wednesdays and Sundays go back to a local organization. Thanks to this generous effort, The First Tee received over $1,200 in proceeds to ensure high quality, mission-driven ongoing youth programs.

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. His match is included in the total received.

Pictured Left: Representing the Richmond Wine Station, Angela Hall, General Manager, & Emerson Espinoza, Assistant Manager, present checks to Madison Medlin, Senior Director of Marketing & Events from The First Tee of Greater Richmond.

ABOUT RICHMOND WINE STATION

Locally rooted in Scott’s Addition, Richmond Wine Station brings fine wine and technology together. Through tastings or full glass options, over 60 wines poured through self-dispensing machines allow customers to enjoy themselves in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. In addition to wine, Richmond Wine Station also serves eight tap pour by the ounce craft beer options.

Visit the station: 2930 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VirginiA 23230

Hampton Roads Wins The 2018 Redmond Cup

The Redmond Cup wrapped up at Salisbury Country Club on Wednesday, August 8th. In its 8th consecutive year, the event serves as a platform for participants of The First Tee from around the mid-Atlantic region to exhibit sportsmanship and fellowship in a friendly competition. The Redmond Cup Participant Dinner kicked off the two-day event on Tuesday, August 7th. Participants heard from two guests speakers, brothers Benjamin Rogers and Sam Rogers, about the importance of taking life skills learned from sports and translating them into their every day lives – at home, in the community, and at work. Benjamin spoke on responsibility and Sam spoke on perseverance, two of The First Tee Nine Core Values.

Chapters in attendance: Greater Richmond, Greater Charlotte, the Triangle, Hampton Roads, and Greater Washington, D.C.

2018 Redmond Cup Champions: The First Tee of Hampton Roads

The redmond cup

In six player teams, two 9-holers and four 18-holers, total scores determine the Redmond Cup winner. For the first time since the event’s inception, The First Tee of Hampton Roads won The 2018 Redmond Cup with a total score of 179 (-1). Their win knocked off four-time defending champions from The First Tee of Greater Charlotte.

9-Hole Division

In a captain’s choice format, participant pairs played 9-holes on the Huguenot track of Salisbury Country Club. The First Tee of Greater Richmond’s Paul Ancona and Madison Lehr scored 34 (-2) placing first and The First Tee of Greater Charlotte’s Ella Kue and Samanyu Bedi won runner-up the division with a score of 36 (E).

18-HOLE DIVISION

In a best ball format, two participant pairs played 18-holes – both the Huguenot and Buckingham tracks of SCC. The First Tee of Greater Richmond’s D’yan Robinson and Noah Wheeler secured runner-up with a score of 70 (-2). The First Tee of Hampton Roads’ Gerry Jones, Jr. and Amber Mackiewicz took home the win with a tournament record score of 66 (-6).

9-hole Champions – From left to right: Madison Lehr, Scott Redmond, Paul Ancona

18-hole Champions – From left to right: Gerry Jones, Jr., Scott Redmond, Amber Mackiewicz

Thank you, Scott Redmond of Redmond Asset Management for bringing this event to life. It is because of his vision and commitment that participants of The First Tee can gather for a special tournament at an exclusive country club each year.

Summer Happy Hour Powered by Dominion Energy

With the Dominion Energy Charity Classic around the corner, The First Tee of Greater Richmond is collaborating with Dominion Energy for an employee volunteer event followed by the final Summer Happy Hour event of its series on Wednesday, August 29th. Connecting community service and patron engagement, this event is powered by Dominion Energy and benefitting The First Tee of Greater Richmond.

Community SERVICE

Dominion Energy is proud of its employees for their thirst to give back to RVA. Thanks to their eagerness to engage with the community, over 30 employees will enhance the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range through a landscape revival project including weeding, planting, mulching, and picking up trash along the fence-line on School Street. Upon completion, employees of Dominion Energy will further connect with The First Tee at the final Summer Happy Hour event.

Patron Engagement

Digging deeper into a partnership with the Dominion Energy Charity Classic, The First Tee of Greater Richmond is promoting Birdies for Charity presented by Towne Bank, a fundraising platform in which all donations receive a 10% bonus.

You Donate, We both benefit

You can benefit in more ways than a tax exemption!

From August 1st until October 21st, all donors who give through Birdies for Charity to The First Tee will be entered to win a Callaway Odyssey Putter.
On August 29th, all donors who give through Birdies for Charity at the Summer Happy Hour Series will be entered to win a dozen ProVIs.

Donate today!

About the Summer Happy Hour and Golf Series

New this summer, The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range began a series of happy hours targeted toward building impactful partnerships with the RVA food and beverage industry while hosting its patrons. These monthly events allowed The First Tee of Greater Richmond to benefit from local brewery partnerships, specifically Stone Brewing, food trucks such as Boka Tako, and first class golf vendors, Titleist and Callaway.

For questions about this event or partnership, please contact: Kelly McAnally, [email protected]

Caddie for a PGA TOUR Champions Pro & Support The First Tee

Are you looking for a way to have the golf experience of a lifetime caddying for one of the world’s best golfers while benefiting The First Tee of Greater Richmond? On Monday, October 15th, The Kanawha Club is hosting a morning pro-am + PGA TOUR Champions skins challenge fundraiser featuring 18 PGA TOUR Champions Professionals including: Fred Funk, Bernard Langer, Tom Lehman, Jerry Kelly, and more. Seeking a way to support our mission, hosts of this event asked The First Tee to provide the caddies for the PGA TOUR Champions.

A minimum of $1,000 paid to The First Tee of Greater Richmond secures your placement.

Each caddie will receive:

A bag of one of the PGA TOUR Champions for the morning pro-am and the skins shootout
A still and “action work” photo with you and your PGA TOUR Champion
An invite to pro-am luncheon at Kanawha Club following play
An Imperial The First Tee of Greater Richmond hat along with a Kanawha caddie bib

Due to the anticipated popularity of this opportunity, caddie assignment is first come, first serve & determined by random drawing from the chapter.

For all questions and to fulfill payment, please contact:

Brent Schneider, CEO, The First Tee of Greater Richmond

[email protected] | 804-378-2188

9211 Forest Hill Avenue, Suite 104, Richmond, VA 23235

Caraballo, Aulger Win National Par-3 Championship

The results are in! The First Tee National Par-3 Championship successfully completed its fourth year in Richmond over the weekend. 32 participants of The First Tee competed in 36-holes of individual stroke play at The Kanawha Club to determine a boys and girls champion and runner-up.

Girls Division

Saturday’s round ended in a tie with Alisa Caraballo representing The First Tee of Roanoke Valley and Jaclyn Kenzel representing The First Tee of the Sandhills (North Carolina) both at nine over par (117). In a playoff on the ninth hole, Caraballo took home the championship declaring Kenzel the runner-up.

Boys Division

The boys division closed with a two-stroke difference between Ty Aulger, The First Tee of Northwest Florida, and Drew Greene, The First Tee of Aiken. Aulger clinched the championship with a score of four over par (112) and Greene finished as runner-up with a score of six over par (116).

Click here to view full results Thank you to all volunteers, sponsors, and staff who made this event possible for 32 deserving young adults. We look forward to continued success hosting local, regional, and national opportunities for our youth.

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.