Category: News

BLOOM RETIRES, BUT STILL HANGING OUT WITH US

After a career in the golf industry that has spanned fifty years, Jack Bloomfield has recently retired as Director of Operations for our Chapter. Bloomfield, affectionally known as Bloom, has been with our Chapter since 2014. He has enjoyed an interesting career in the game spanning 50 years, starting as a junior caddie. “I was retired for the second time,” Bloomfield said. “I got a call to see if I would be interested in working for the new First Tee – Broward chapter that was relaunched in 2014. I thought it was something I wanted to do, and it fit perfect at the right time in my career.” At age 15, Bloomfield had his first job scooping ice cream at Baskin-Robbins and his best friend approached him and said he could make in one day caddying what he currently makes in a week. After caddying and working in golf shops and even trying his hand at professional golf, fate struck in 1982 when he went to the PGA Merchandise Show in Miami and met Ely Callaway Jr. It eventually led to a job with Callaway. He was the first outside sales rep that Mr. Callaway ever hired in the history of the company and worked there until 2002. “Under Bloom’s leadership our chapter has grown to impact over 600 young people in the First Tee program, over 100 children with special needs, and 90 veterans each year,” said Chapter Executive Director Carl Mistretta. “He also did a great job of recruiting fantastic Directors and fundraising to support our programs.” Bloomfield has already signed up to be a First Tee – Broward Ambassador and will continue to assist us with our veterans’ programs.

ANNUAL APPEAL TIME WITH MATCHING GRANT FROM CHARLES SCHWAB

Special thanks to our many donors this year. Your contributions have helped us grow our programming serving children and veterans. Our last fundraising campaign of the year is our Annual Appeal. There is a new wrinkle this year with a matching grant. Charles R. Schwab has committed transformational support through a new $25 million grant will provide up to a $1 match for every $2 donated to First Tee Chapters by individuals, corporations and foundations now through 2026. This grant program will provide our chapter the opportunity to significantly grow and deepen our impact over the next several years. “I believe in the power of investing to help individuals create a better tomorrow,” said Charles R. Schwab. “That’s why I am investing in First Tee. I believe in this organization’s mission and the power of the First Tee Chapters to continue changing the game for young people for years to come.” Please visit our Annual Appeal secure online donation webpage or checks can be mailed directly to: First Tee – Broward Eagle Trace Golf Club 1111 Eagle Trace Blvd. Coral Springs, FL. 33071 The program was kicked off at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, the final event on the PGA TOUR Champions schedule. Pictured above: First Tee —participants Abi Morris and Jake Walden played alongside Charles Schwab and Phil Mickelson in the Wednesday pro-am.

JOIN US AT THE END OF THE YEAR BASH

Please join us on December 18th at the Finnegan Learning Center in Dyer Park from 10-12 pm for our end of the year celebration. This is a free event for parents and children. Dyer Park is located at 7301 Haverhill Rd, Riviera Beach, FL 33407. The event will feature The Dennis Walters Show, LPGA Tour Pro- Marina Alex Junior Clinic, a Jupiter High School drumline performance, range/stations to hit balls, try out the Golf Shot Air Cannon and free food and drink!

NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MIAMI DOLPHINS

We are delighted to announce a new partnership for our supporting South Florida country clubs and companies that will benefit our children and veterans with free tickets to a Dolphins game. The Miami Dolphins are teaming up with some of the top local country clubs for the First Annual Pars and Pigskins event at Hard Rock Stadium benefitting our Chapter. The event has generated so much excitement, it has been expanded to two game days! December 19th vs. the New York Jets and January 9th vs. the New England Patriots game. Packages include: • Dolphins game ticket • Private pre-game tailgate space • Complimentary transportation to and from the game via motor coach • Post-game field photo • Raffles, contests, and giveaways For more information on packages and how to get involved to benefit the youth and veteran golfers of South Florida, please contact Logan Burnett. 205-919-1009 or [email protected]

FIRST TEE WINS THE CMAA 100-HOLE CHALLENGE

Our Chapter broke our previous record and raised $73,751 this year. “We went from one club participating last year to five clubs playing this year,” said Chapter Executive Director Carl Mistretta. “Next year our goal is to have at least ten clubs play. Everyone had a great time and the members really enjoy supporting their players.” BallenIsles hosted the friendly competition and were joined by Bear Lakes, Old Palm and Banyan Cay. Quail Ridge also played a few weeks later at their club. Below are the final standings, players and awards in the club competition: BallenIsles- $17,747 2022 Champions with highest amount of donations Ryan Walls and Jeff Fitzherbert Quail Ridge- $10,394 2nd place Dan Brosnihan, Matt Corey, Cody Sinkler, Rob Murphy, Denise Lavigne and Carl Horace Bear Lakes- $10,301 3rd place Jimmy Gascoigne and Jim Chorniewy Banyan Cay- $8,665 Highest average donation per member Jared Chipley Old Palm- $7,670 Impressive showing with their golf course closed due to construction Erik Asp In the friendly competition between Chapter staff members, Carl Mistretta blasted Emily Valentine this year $5,473 to $3,678. Chapter Directors Marina Alex and John Hahn kicked off the fundraising this year playing at The Dye Preserve and raised $3,995. Of course, the real winners are the thousands of children and veterans that participate in our programs because of the generosity of these clubs. Our three Chapters combined (Palm Beaches, Treasure Coast and Broward) raised the most money this year with an incredible $201,183! Special congratulations to the Seminole Region Charity Committee members who worked to make all this happen. For the 11th year, the charities beat prior year’s number and set a new record of $430,000 raised. Since inception, CMAA has raised over $2.4 million to support South Florida charities. SHOUT OUT to our Club Committee of Dr. Ed Slotnick, Marsha Funk and Gwen Gordon for their leadership and commitment.

BIG MONTH FOR BILLY REID

Chapter student Billy Reid had a very memorable month. It began with a one under par score of 71 in High School Regionals at Osprey Point Golf Course to qualify as an individual for the High School State Championship at Mission Inn. Billy was the only member of his team from Palm Beach Gardens High School to advance to the State Championship. His round featured 5 birdies and an eagle. Later this month, Billy signed his letter of intent to play college golf at Keiser University. Billy is a two-sport athlete at Palm Beach Gardens and thanked his coaches, parents and the staff at First Tee for helping him achieve his dream of playing golf at the next level. Billy will be attending Keiser College of Golf & Sports Management on a special scholarship offered to First Tee students that wish to embark on a career in the golf industry.

ANNUAL APPEAL TIME WITH MATCHING GRANT FROM CHARLES SCHWAB

Special thanks to our many donors this year. Your contributions have helped us grow our programming serving children and veterans. Our last fundraising campaign of the year is our Annual Appeal. There is a new wrinkle this year with a matching grant. Charles R. Schwab has committed transformational support through a new $25 million grant will provide up to a $1 match for every $2 donated to First Tee Chapters by individuals, corporations and foundations now through 2026. This grant program will provide our chapter the opportunity to significantly grow and deepen our impact over the next several years. “I believe in the power of investing to help individuals create a better tomorrow,” said Charles R. Schwab. “That’s why I am investing in First Tee. I believe in this organization’s mission and the power of the First Tee Chapters to continue changing the game for young people for years to come.” Please visit our Annual Appeal secure online donation webpage or checks can be mailed directly to: First Tee – Palm Beaches 7301 N. Haverhill Rd. Riviera Beach, FL 33407 The program was kicked off at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, the final event on the PGA TOUR Champions schedule. Pictured above: First Tee —participants Abi Morris and Jake Walden played alongside Charles Schwab and Phil Mickelson in the Wednesday pro-am.

REGISTER NOW FOR FALL PROGRAMS

Golf is the sport of business and the sport of a lifetime! Register now. Palm Beach County program locations include: – Commons Park Golf Learning Center – John Prince Golf Learning Center – Keiser University Golf Coaching Center – The Golf Club of Jupiter – Madison Green Country Club – Finnegan Learning Center- Dyer Park – Okeeheelee Golf Course – Park Ridge Golf Course – PGA Tour Superstore- PBG – Southwinds Golf Course – Wellington National Golf Club For more information and to register, please visit our website.

GREAT DAY AT THE BEAR’S CLUB

“After COVID cancelled our 2020 tournament, we came back in 2021 with tremendous success,” said Chapter President Bobby Hendel. “Thank you to everyone that played.  What a fantastic day and an awesome test of golf” Each player received a copy of One of the First, a new book written by Ralph Stokes, the Director of Partnership Marketing & Community Impact at PGA TOUR Superstore. Ralph (pictured above left) played in the tournament and shared a few stories from his book on how his life helped to open opportunities in work and society for so many people that came after him. Congrats to our 2021 Champions: 1st Place Gross: Willie Scott, Matt Meneghetti, Mike Taylor, Norris Sharper 64 (-8) 2nd Place Gross:  Michael Morsberger, Tom Bliss, Jon Cross, Kyle O’Neill 65 (-7) Match of Cards- MC 3rd Place Gross: Bobby Collins, Bob Simes, Carl Panattoni, Drake Kelso 65 (-7) MC 1st Place Net: Alan Robinovitz, Ron Getlan, Ed Slotnick, Rich Levy 54 (-18) 2nd Place Net: Stan Schachne, Shelby Coyle, Jack Bloomfield, Matt Kutner 56 (-16) MC 3rd Place Net: Wayne Canner, Cary Stamp, Andrew Endicott, Luke Arnold 56 (-16) MC Chapter students Zoe Shamy and Wylie Inman (pictured above middle)and Billy Reid (pictured right) also played in the tournament. Thank you sponsors:

FIRST CHAPTER STUDENT EARNS ACE LEVEL

Congratulations to Tyler Mistretta, our first student to complete First Tee ACE certification. ACE certification is the highest level a participant can achieve at First Tee. After completing the first four levels of certification, PLAYer, Par, Birdie, and Eagle, participants have the option of working towards this final step in the program. Students will become ACE-certified by completing four projects that will help them build a foundation in higher education and for a career. The four projects are: • Community Service: Participants learn the value of giving back by volunteering for activities at First Tee or in the community. • Career: Participants explore their interests and skills, matching them with career possibilities. • College: Participants explore issues related to college selection and educational alternatives. • Golf: Participants examine their golf skills, create an improvement plan, and assess the role they want golf to play in their lives. Tyler completed all the ACE requirements in June before heading to college to play golf at Florida Southern located in Lakeland. “It was a lot of work, but a great accomplishment to get this done,” said Tyler. “Students should start early as it takes a few years to complete the ACE requirements.”

CHAPTER STUDENTS ADVANCE TO HIGH SCHOOL REGIONALS

Chapter girls dominated at Districts. Jacie Goodman (pictured above left, holding trophy on right) helped Palm Beach Gardens High School to capture the District golf title at Wellington National Golf Club. Chapter staff member Emily Valentine coached the Jupiter High girls’ team that finished in second place. Chapter student Zoe Shamy (pictured above right, second from right, next to Emily) shot 79. Dwyer High finished in third place featuring Olivia St. Antoine. All 3 teams have advanced to Regionals. The Palm Beach Gardens High boys’ golf team also advanced to Regionals finishing in 3rd place. Chapter student Billy Reid plays on the boys’ team.