YOUNG PROFESSIONALS APRIL SOCIAL AT OUR CHAPTER

The First Tee of The Palm Beaches Young Professionals invites you to join our network of active Palm Beach County based individuals dedicated to the mission of The First Tee. The Young Professionals supports The First Tee of The Palm Beaches through fundraising, volunteer efforts, and by broadening awareness in the Palm Beach area as ambassadors of our local chapter. Please join us at our golf facility in Dyer Park on Wednesday, April 4th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm for snacks to learn more about our organization.  Bring your clubs to hit some balls and work on your chipping and putting.  Please RSVP to the Young Professionals Chairman, Sheridan Fields at [email protected] The group is open to young professionals (ages 25-35) living or working in Palm Beach County.  Benefits of membership include: 1. Recognition on chapter website and chapter e-newsletter distributed to a wide network in Palm Beach County. 2. Young Professionals logoed shirt and hat. 3. Opportunities to play golf with students and peers at local golf courses. 4. Opportunities to expand your professional network. 5. Invitations to exclusive Young Professional events and receptions. 6. Opportunities to interact with The First Tee of The Palm Beaches Council of Directors.

SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

Looking for something the children can do this summer that is both fun AND educational? Our chapter offers summer camps and programs at multiple locations for youth ages 6 to 18. CLICK HERE for Summer Camp locations near you!

EDNA W. RUNNER TUTORIAL CENTER VISITS FINNEGAN LEARNING CENTER

50 Senior Citizens from the Edna W. Runner Tutorial Center visited our golf facility and enjoyed a morning of golf, fellowship and good food. We also conduct a program for their youth participants during the summer. “This is our third year inviting them out to the facility, and they had a blast,” said Jack Barrett – Chapter Development Director. Thank you to Chapter Director Maria Marino who made the introduction and secures program funding through the Jupiter Children’s Foundation.

HENDEL, ROTHBERG & FINNEGANS JOIN THE INAUGURAL 1457 CLASS

In 2017, our Chapter unveiled a new planned giving program to support our mission and programs. Planned giving is an important aspect of our overall fund raising strategic plan and provides a simple solution for our long-time donors to assist the students of tomorrow through their estate, IRA or insurance policies. Pictured above left to right: Chapter Executive Director Carl Mistretta and Development Director Jack Barrett welcoming Chapter President Bobby Hendel long-time supporter John Rothberg to the inaugural class. The parents of Michael Finnegan, Beverly & Frank Finnegan and Michael’s wife, Erin Finnegan with her beautiful family, also joined the inaugural class. The Finnegan Foundation is a Founding Partner of our Chapter. “Members of The Society of 1457 are our most ardent supporters and community leaders demonstrating through generosity how to ensure our growth for years to come,” said Chapter Executive Director Carl Mistretta. “Planned giving will be our most important fundraising component to help develop the future leaders of Palm Beach County.” Most people do not realize that mandatory IRA distributions at age 70½ and older can be donated tax free to charity. Donors can enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that they are contributing to a worthy cause while effectively lowering their tax bill. Please CLICK HERE to learn more about joining the Society of 1457.

INTRODUCING THE TEEN GOLFERS ASSOCIATION

The Teen Golfers Association is a new addition to The First Tee of The Palm Beaches Chapter comprised by the Par, Birdie, Eagle, and Ace participants. This vision of TGA is to attract more teens to the game of golf by providing a fun, engaging and learning environment. Chapter Coaches and Alumni Emily Valentine and Quinn Reid started the TGA to bridge the gap in teenage retention. “This great sport and organization has provided tremendous opportunities for me over the years,” said Emily. I could not think of a better way to give back.” Quinn added, “Having a group that teenagers can gather and excel in, is very important and helps to recruit new teenagers to our chapter.” For more information, please email: [email protected]. Follow @tftpbtga on Instagram and “LIKE” Teen Golfers Association on Facebook to stay updated on all TGA events.

BALLENISLES CHARITIES FOUNDATION SUPPORTS OUR CHAPTER

The BallenIsles Charities Foundation (BICF) was established with the goal of “Making a Difference” to local not-for-profit organizations in areas surrounding their residential community located in Palm Beach Gardens. In their 7th year, BICF recently conducted their annual fundraising event for the grant distributions, including a one-day golf tournament over 36-holes at BallenIsles. Pictured are our chapter participants that were the “Pros” on selected par-3 holes to hit a tee shot and putt with the members. “The First Tee students impressed our members with their shot making and putting skills and their confidence and social skills” said Dr. Eddy Slotnick, Chapter Director and BallenIsles resident. “It is always a special experience to meet the young people who benefit from the BICF grant.” BICF generously awarded $20,000.00 to support the mission and programs of our Chapter. Special thanks to Bob Anton, the members of BallenIsles, and to the BallenIsles Charities Foundation for their continued support of our chapter.

PALM BEACH PAR 3 INVITATIONAL

Earlier this year, Michael Pakradooni, President of Atlantic Refrigeration hosted a fun tournament at the incredible Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course. The event raised over $125,000 for our chapter. Pictured above: Pakradooni with the winning team of MJ Saad, Bill Feely, Robert Klein and Robert Hill presenting the big check to chapter students and veterans. “We want to ensure that the children of Palm Beach County who desire to learn how to play golf receive the opportunity to do so,” said Pakradooni. “This event will help make that a reality.” Guests were treated to breakfast, golf and lunch. LPGA Tour legends and World Golf Hall of Fame members Beth Daniel and Meg Mallon greeted the guests at check-in and spent time with our chapter students (pictured right). Atlantic Refrigeration has been keeping The Palm Beaches’ pristine estates and private clubs cool and comfortable for over 50 years. Their reputation for honesty, quality and integrity has been earned with every residential or commercial air conditioning system they have installed, repaired or replaced since 1962. For more information, please visit their website at http://atlanticrefrigeration.cc/home.html

CHAPTER STUDENTS SERVE AS COURSE REPORTERS

Chapter students Amber Steele and Xavier Adams served as roving PGA TOUR Junior Course Reporters at The Honda Classic. The students received inside the ropes media credentials and shadowed reporters preparing articles and videos for media publications. This experience is designed to enhance their communication and journalism skills.

PAIRINGS GUIDE DISTRIBUTION BRING IN RECORD DONATIONS

Chapter Participants greeted patrons with complimentary pairings guides upon entering The Honda Classic. Students wore bibs with the tournament and Chapter logos and delivered a friendly request for a $1 donation. Participants from The First Tee of Aiken also joined in the fun! All of the students that donated their time on the weekend handed out over 20,000 pairings guides and collected over $5,000.00 to support our mission and programs. Thank you to all tournament patrons that donated to our Chapter.

CHAPTER STUDENTS ATTEND WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP FORUM

The seventh annual Women’s Leadership Forum presented by The Honda Classic was an incredible morning during tournament week. More than 200 women gathered at the beautiful PGA National Resort & Spa and participated in an engaging morning on topics vital to their professional and personal development. The two Leadership Guest Speakers were Judy Marks and Vicki Poponi. Our chapter female participants were invited to attend and enjoy the event to help these young ladies advance their professional careers and thrive in today’s fast-paced business environment. Pictured above: Chapter Participants – Amber Steele, Savannah Mansueti, Jacie Goodman, Alexandria Walker, Annika Sowerbutts, Sydnee Beebe along with Chapter Program Director – Connie, Treasure Coast Director of Operations – Gennifer Garvin, Donna White, LPGA and Chapter Director Maria Marino.

DENNIS WALTERS AND BUCKY ENTERTAIN AT THE ELS CENTER CLINIC

The Honda Classic and our chapter Coaches partner with The Els Center for Excellence to host a special clinic during tournament week for children with autism. Fifty plus local children attended and had a wonderful time on the driving range. The clinic concluded with Dennis Walters and super dog Bucky entertaining the students with incredible golf shots.

UTC CONTINUES GENEROUS SUPPORT OF VETERANS PROGRAMS

For the fifth year in a row United Technologies has provided our Chapter a generous grant benefitting our programs serving Veterans with disabilities. A check was presented in the amount of $35,000 in the Patriots Outpost (the tournament’s military appreciation tent sponsored by UTC) in the presence of hundreds of Veterans. Special shout out to the UTC team of Beta Amato, Tom Vining, Mary Milmoe and Deanna Usiadek for the inspiring support. “Our partnership with United Technologies and their continued generous support has allowed our golf programs serving Veterans to expand every year,” said Carl Mistretta, Chapter Executive Director. “On behalf of UTC, our staff, coaches and Board of Directors we thank all Veterans for their service.” In honor of the men and women who have and are currently serving our great nation, The Honda Classic in partnership with United Technologies offers complimentary tickets for Active Duty, Reservists, Retirees, their registered Dependents and Non-Retired Veterans Thursday through Sunday of tournament week. Tickets also provide access to the United Technologies Patriots Outpost hospitality pavilion overlooking the signature par-3, 17th hole where complimentary lunch and snacks will be provided each day.