Category: Broward

Steve Greenstein – Volunteer of the Year Steve has been volunteering for 18 months with our chapter and is currently assisting with Coach Hector at Cooper Colony Country Club. Steve originally began volunteering two years ago when he came out as a participant in our Mission United Veterans golf classes. “Steve has a heart of gold and a desire to give of his time and talents,” said Jack Bloomfield, Chapter Director of Operations. “We are fortunate to have Steve on our volunteer team.”

Charles Schmidt, 77 years old was in the United States Air Force. Charles has been playing golf 50 years and has been involved with First Tee for 6 years. “The First Tee has provided an amazing program for our veterans’ community to learn and play better golf. Our thanks go out to the numerous pros and staff who have volunteered their time and expertise. It has been a rewarding experience to meet our fellow vets and to encourage each other in this wonderful game.” This program is made possible because of a generous grant from the Harry T. Mangurian, Jr., Foundation.

First Tee – Broward began a new golf program with the Divine Academy of Broward, a school serving students with special needs. This Program will run 9 weeks at the Divine Academy of Broward in Hollywood. Students ages 11-19 were introduced to the game golf and the First Tee Nine Core Values and Healthy Habits with SNAG (Starting New at Golf) golf clubs, targets and tennis balls. First Tee Recognized Coach Robert Ferzoco is teaching the program with help from Divine Academy staff members – Brendan Barnard, Miss Santana, and Miss Roxana.

The Rees Jones 9-hole par three course at Coral Ridge Country Club provides for a sensational venue for our annual Corporate Challenge each year. We are so appreciative to the members and staff at Coral Ridge for hosting this fun event. Thank you to Gunther Motor Company for being our presenting sponsor and congrats for winning the tournament and defending your title (pictured above left: Joe Gunther, PJ Healey, Jay Gunther, James Gunther). The event was played by foursomes representing nine companies and raised $18,000 to support our children and veterans. The winner takes the trophy to display for the year at their company. First Tee participants and veterans were our guest speakers at the reception after the golf. Additional SHOUT OUT to American Social for being the dinner sponsor, Chapter Director and Tax Partner Adam Spiegel at BDO USA for sponsoring the golf carts and Chapter Director Laurie Villa from Spirit Airlines for sponsoring the green fees.

Thank you to First Tee – Broward students Jasiah Bowie, Natalie Sosa, and Lily Celentano for hitting shots that the teams could use to improve their scores!

Weekly summer camps allow participants ages 6 to 18 to learn First Tee life skills through the game of golf. Intermediate and advanced camps also being offered! Camps are offered at golf courses located throughout Broward County. Please visit our website for locations and to register your children. Camp locations include: Cooper Colony Country Club Grand Palms Hotel – Spa & Golf Resort (*also available-Advanced Elite Training Program)

Robert is a U.S. Navy veteran and has been playing golf and participating in our programs for 4 years. “I use the game of golf, and the First Tee Program, to meet veterans from across the country,” said Robert. “I’ve met interesting people and coaches through this program and it has pushed me to learn new skills later in life.”

Our Chapter, in partnership with United Way of Broward County’s MISSION UNITED and three of our local country clubs with a generous grant from the Mangurian Foundation are pleased to offer three 8-week golf coaching programs, open to all veterans, FREE of charge. PGA professionals and First Tee coaches will provide expert instruction on the game, the use of adaptive equipment when necessary, and are paired with our heroes by ability to create an inclusive environment that keeps veterans in the game and promotes camaraderie and fun. Programs are underway at The Club at Weston Hills, Pompano Beach Golf Course and Eagle Trace Golf Course. For new players, golf equipment will be provided. Class size is limited to 15 veterans in each program. To register, for an upcoming class please email: [email protected]

Would you benefit from a long-term relationship with a financial professional you trust—one who clearly answers your questions, provides ongoing financial coaching & advice, and manages your investment portfolio so that you may enjoy your retirement years? “Over many years meeting with clients in their homes and offices, my brother Michael and I have seen that while some people prefer to be financial do-it-yourselfers, many others are simply not interested in following the financial markets or making important financial decisions by themselves, said Director of Client Service and Chapter Director Christopher Burr (pictured above). “They want to work with an advisor.” “People do not want to feel like just a number, having their hard-earned assets flipped to a new, inexperienced person every other year. Or worse, having to call an 800 number to speak with someone they have never met. Instead, they want consistency. They want someone they know they can rely on, someone easy to get ahold of who knows them and their financial situation intimately.” In 2012 Steady Returns LLC was formed, an independent registered investment advisory (RIA) firm, dedicated to getting to know our clients, putting their interest first, and managing their investments independently and transparently. If this type of advisory relationship resonates with you, please visit www.steady-returns.com or call Chris directly at (561) 400-5970. Why do we support First Tee – Broward? “After learning about the Nine Core Values of the First Tee and reflecting back on our lives and how our parents provided us the resources to play golf, take golf lessons, and travel to junior tournaments, we decided there is no better way to give back to our community and the game we love than to get involved with fundraising for the children who do not have the financial resources to practice and play, as well as providing the opportunity for our military veterans to participate in free golf and life lessons.” – Christopher Burr, Steady Returns

Introducing the 1% First Tee Club

We encourage all golfers to contribute at least 1% of their annual golf expenditures to their local First Tee program. How much do you spend on golf? Do you want to join us in the 1% First Tee Club? Feel free to call me directly to discuss how to get involved, whether financially or also as a volunteer.

First Tee Broward began a new 2021 golf program with the Life Developmental Center in Pembroke Pines. This special needs program will be conducted over nine consecutive weeks at the center. Nine athletes ages 25-42 will be introduced to the game of golf and the First Tee life skills program. First Tee Recognized Coaches Robert Ferzoco is teaching the program with the help of one staff member each week from the developmental center.

Sean Kicker – Coach of the Year Sean Kicker, PGA and Recognized First Tee Coach pioneered a First Tee program at Grand Palms Hotel – Spa and Golf Resort and now has over 90 participants registered, 4 First Tee Assistant Coaches, and 2 volunteers that help each week. As the Director of Golf, Sean hosts the First Tee Broward/Special Olympics Florida golf program free of charge at his facility.

Ryan Shimony – Participant of the Year Ryan joined our Chapter three years ago as a ninth grader and is enrolled in the program at Parkland Golf and Country Club with Coach Jonathan Smith, PGA. Our students progress through levels by demonstrating inner strength, character, and the life and golf skills they have learned. Ryan has reached Birdie level, which emphasizes setting goals and making them a reality. Ryan has participated in in our 100-Hole Challenge for three years running and has raised over $12,000 to support our Chapter!