Miami Lakes-based BankUnited has been a longtime supporter of our chapter and we recently asked three questions to Gerry Litrento, Senior Executive/Consumer and Small Business Banking, who is also a Director of First Tee – Broward and a Board Member of our chapter governing board, The Children’s Golf Foundation.
With so many worthy organizations in South Florida, what drew you to support First Tee?
First Tee offers more than golf lessons for kids, it offers life lessons and I genuinely believe in our curriculum. Learning golf takes an incredible amount of patience and mental focus. If you take the time to develop those skills when you are young it will bode well for you in later life. Being able to play golf is also a wonderful professional asset to help young people in their future careers.
Why do you believe First Tee’s mission is important?
First Tee is achievement oriented and it engages students outdoors away from the computer screens. As a kid, my mother used to tell me to go find something that I could do by myself, that would bring me peace and that I could continue on as a became an adult. She was right, and golf was the answer to her advice.
What do you foresee as golf’s future?
I recently took part in our chapter’s annual golf tournament at Royal Palm County Club. It was different this year without the pre- and post-round gatherings and dinner, but the four hours to spend with friends to support First Tee is what really matters. We help make a difference in many young people’s lives. As long we introduce golf to a new generation, they will find their own passion for the game and keep it alive.
About BankUnited
BankUnited, N.A.,is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BankUnited, Inc., and is one of the largest independent depository institutions headquartered in Florida, providing a broad range of consumer and commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, large corporations and institutions. BankUnited operates convenient banking centers throughout Florida and New York, along with 24-hour digital access. As of December 31, 2019, BankUnited N.A. has $32.9 billion in total assets.
At BankUnited we are committed to giving back to the communities in which we live, work and conduct business. We collaborate with a broad range of partners on an ongoing basis to identify community needs and impactful solutions. Our dedication to building strong communities through the Community Reinvestment Act supports low-and moderate-income individuals and families, as well as small businesses.
Our chapter serves thousands of students to teach them to play golf and advance through our Life Skills curriculum. We are thankful that golf is a social distancing sport as we have been very busy.
We also serve students with special needs and disabled veterans in our golf programs.
Like most organizations, our fundraising efforts have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many more parents are applying for financial aid due to unemployment or underemployment. We hope that you can support our children and veterans this year through a secure online donation. Small donations are greatly appreciated!
Checks may also be mailed to:
First Tee – Treasure Coast
Children’s Services Council of Martin County
101 SE Central Pkwy
Stuart, FL 34994
The chapter can also accept money wire transfers or stock donations. If you wish to donate this way please reach out to Carl Mistretta, our Executive Director at [email protected] for wiring instructions. 
