Donors Archives - Page 3 of 3 - First Tee

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]

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.

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]

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

Why invest in The First Tee?

At The First Tee of Greater Richmond we strive to not only make good golfers, but better people. Through the game of golf, our program aims to teach youth life skills that will make a lasting impact in their lives. With the help of our supporters, we will continue to reach more youth than ever before. Here are 9 reasons why you should give to The First Tee of Greater Richmond in 2017:

*Values like confidence keep our youth engaged.*

1. We are more than a game. We teach life skills that last. 2. We are a local 501(c)3 nonprofit – your gift is 100% tax deductible. 3. Our character education and life skills program help young people prepare for success in high school, college, and life. 4. We collaborate with 127 local elementary schools and 30 youth-serving organizations to deliver programs to Richmond area youth. 5. Our volunteers and coaches are trained in delivering The First Tee curriculum. 6. We provide program scholarships! The organization has spent over $1 million to provide programs for scholarship participants over the past seven years. 7. We are committed to The First Tee Code of Conduct: Respect for Myself, Respect for Others, Respect for My Surroundings. 8. We train our coaches to be mentors – both in golf and in life. 9. We cannot do it without you. MAKE YOUR IMPACT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4Rbpn9PHs8