Category: News

FAREWELL COACH JACK AND WE WISH YOU WELL

Jack Barrett, our long time Development Director, recently announced that he has accepted a position of Vice President of Development at the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County. Our chapter enjoys a wonderful working relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs to offer programming to many St. Lucie County students each year. “We are really going to miss Jack and wish him the best in his new position,” said Chairman Steve Rockoff. “He has helped grow our chapter grants, planned giving and STEM programs. We are glad he is not going too far, and we look forward to working closely with him at the St. Lucie Boys and Girls Clubs.” Jack began his career in the golf industry with The First Tee of The Palm Beaches in October 2009 as a volunteer coach and then advanced to the role of Development Director in 2010. Jack completed The First Tee Coach training and assisted in the development of the Els for Autism #GameON Golf Curriculum. He is an Els for Autism #GameON Golf Coach Trainer. Jack is also an inaugural member of our planned giving initiative- The Society of 1457. His new email address is: [email protected]

PROGRAMS POSTPONED

Per state and county rules, our programming remains postponed. Please visit our website or social media platforms for the latest information when programming will resume. Please enjoy the May newsletter and stay safe! Below is a Nine Core Value collage from our chapter students.

Chapter students pictured above: Row 1- Manny Malaret , Audrey Dzwill, Olivia & Theo LaValley, Camila & Felipe Obando Row 2- Brady & Nolan Jacobson, Amanda Filipe, Abby and Josh Halpern, Trevor Tarashuk Row 3-   Olive Marano, Ryan Shimony, Rafael Barreto, Brianna & Rey Breto

TEE TIMES TO FEATURE AREA HOLE-IN-ONES

Have you made a recent hole-in-one? The Tee Times magazine wants to hear all about your shot of a lifetime as they feature area hole-in-ones in their monthly magazine. CLICK HERE to enter your hole-in-one information. Even better, Morell Studios, our Trustee corporate partner, will offer a 5% discount on their hole-in-one awards by entering the coupon code: teetimes. Please visit teetimesnews.com/awards or call 561-437-5120 to commemorate your ace. CLICK HERE to check out the latest hole-in-one feature article in The Tee Times.

THANK YOU WEST PALM 100

The West Palm 100 is a not for profit, charitable organization created to provide civic and social opportunities that benefits the children, families, and neighborhoods of West Palm Beach through the donation of time, money, and people power. The West Palm 100 recently held their annual fundraiser hosted by their members at Drive Shack. A record crowd attended and record donations of $1,600 were raised to support local children & Veterans in our programs. Special thanks to West Palm 100 Board member and longtime Chapter supporter John Rothberg for his help and support to make this happen.

CHAPTER TEAM PLACES 2ND IN RAYMOND FLOYD OPEN

The annual ProAm Scramble was held recently at the Palm Beach Par 3 benefitting the Par 3 Foundation. The tournament benefits our Chapter as the Par 3 Foundation funds scholarships for our students during six weeks of summer camps held at the Palm Beach Par 3. Pictured above: Our Chapter team included Pro/Coach Sasha Lobel, with students Audrey Dzwill, Landon Murray, Felipe Obando and Coach Connie Capanegra. “Mr. Floyd, the Par 3 Foundation, Tony Chateauvert and the entire staff at the Palm Beach Par 3 have been incredible supporters of our students,” said Connie. “Our summer camps grow ever year and the students enjoy playing golf on the ocean during the summer.” After a two-year run as champions, our team finished second this year with a nine under par score of 45.

BIRDIE BUDDIES GOLF DAY AT THE ELS CENTER

Recently, six of our members from our Chapters’ Teen Golfers Association (TGA) spent their day off from school at the Birdie Buddies Golf Day. Birdie Buddies is for golfers of all abilities ages 10 and up with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. Participants spent the day at The Els Center of Excellence practicing their golf skills, playing nine holes of golf, and having fun with their new friends. Participants focused on communication, social, and golf skills. Each Els for Autism participant was partnered with a TGA Volunteer Coach and they were deemed “Buddies” for the remainder of the day. “I love to see teenagers be open to new experiences and truly growing the game,” commented Chapter Coach Emily Valentine. “The TGA is all about giving back and having fun.” “Meeting my buddy, Ben, melted my heart!” exclaimed TGA member Jacie Goodman. “I enjoyed his excitement towards playing golf and I thank the First Tee and Els for Autism for this rewarding opportunity.” The program was a huge success and we are excited for the next Birdie Buddies Golf Day.

BICF CONTINUES GENEROUS SUPPORT

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 9th year, BICF recently conducted their annual fundraising event for the grant distributions, including a one-day golf tournament over 36-holes at BallenIsles. Chapter students hit shots on the par 3s and interacted with the members. “It is always a pleasure for the members to meet the First Tee students,” said Marsha Funk, Chapter Director and BallenIsles resident. “They enjoy meeting the beneficiaries of our foundation and talking with the students.” BICF generously awarded $26,000.00 to support the students of our Chapter. This year was their largest gift to our Chapter. Special thanks to the members and staff of BallenIsles and to the residents who volunteer with the BallenIsles Charities Foundation for their continued support of our Chapter. Pictured above are BICF members and Chapter staff with Chapter Directors Eddy Slotnick and Marsha Funk, both residents of BallenIsles.

GOLF AT HOME FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS

With our golf programs on hold until further notice, please see below some creative videos, assignments, and games for parents to implement at home with their children. We will continue to update with new games and videos. Please CLICK HERE for all information. Video Opportunity #GOLFATHOME We are asking our students to create and share fun #GolfAtHome video(s) to demonstrate how you are having fun with golf at home. Here is how it works:- Within the next few days, come up with a homemade putt-putt course (Max. of two holes), trick shot or creative way you are practicing your golf game while at home. – Take a video of your #GolfAtHome (and make sure to wear First Tee branded shirts and hats, if possible). – Share the videos on your social channels using #GolfAtHome and tag @thefirsttee and our chapter @ftpalmbeaches

2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Thanks to the support and dedication of our donors, Directors and staff, our Chapter enjoyed another tremendous year in 2019. Please CLICK HERE to review our 2019 Annual Report detailing all programs, outreach partners and children and veterans served.

50-50 RAFFLE WINNER

Gwen Gordon, a newly retired Clubhouse Manager from Seminole Golf Club, recently joined our Country Club Committee as a volunteer.  The Committee helps us meet new members at golf clubs to assist our Chapter with Club Drives, hosting CMAA Marathon Golf and applying for foundation grants. Gwen bought some tickets to our 50-50 raffle and her name was picked out of the jar as the winner.  We raised $1,700 at The Tee Times tent and our 50-50 raffle website. “I have never won anything!” exclaimed Gwen.  “I am donating it all back to The First Tee.” Thank you Gwen. We are excited to have you join the Country Club Committee and help us serve more students and Veterans in Palm Beach County.

ANOTHER SELL OUT FOR THE MONDAY AFTER THE HONDA

Great weather, Sunday pins and incredible PGA TOUR turf conditions made for an exciting day on the Champion Course at PGA National on Monday morning following the tournament. Low gross winners (pictured above with red flags) were Coach Rick Hengstenberg and Young Professional member Michael Calkin with a score of 67.  Low net winners were Jack Quinn and Wayne Sanders with a score of 59 (pictured above with blue flags). “Our supporters just had a fantastic time,” said Chapter Executive Director Carl Mistretta. “The course was in the best shape we have ever seen, the greens were lightning, so were the fairways and no one missed the high rough! Six of our students played and a few even played from the back tees.” Loud SHOUT OUT to our new friends at the DFS Open for sponsoring our event through their annual charity golf tournament.