Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. (May 9, 2012) – The First Tee has received $72.8 million in pledges and gifts toward The First Tee Campaign for 10 Million Young People, it was announced today by PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem, who is co-chair of the Campaign, and Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive of The First Tee.
“This is wonderful news, which can be attributed to the hard work and generosity of many individuals,” said Commissioner Finchem. “While great progress has been made, there is yet more work ahead as we focus on reaching our goal of $100 million by the end of 2012.”
Launched in July 2011 at the Nature Valley First Tee Open in Pebble Beach, The First Tee Campaign for 10 Million Young People is an ambitious effort to raise $100 million by the end of 2012, which will allow The First Tee to expand its programs at chapters, in schools and at other youth-serving locations, with the goal of reaching 10 million additional young people between 2011 and 2017.
Barrow added, “The Campaign is significant for many reasons as it will give us the ability to administer a matching grant program for The First Tee chapters—helping build local capacity—as well as important initiatives including growing the National School Program, research and curriculum enhancements.”
Individuals, corporations and foundations have become Trustees, committing $1 million to the youth development organization. Donations were also raised through “Tee It Up for The First Tee,” a program whereby clubs from the TPC Network, ClubCorp and Heritage Golf Group donated tee time inventory in the month of April to benefit The First Tee.
The First Tee reaches young people on more than 700 golf courses, at more than 4,700 elementary schools in 650 school districts and 120 military installations.
Further updates will be announced between now and the conclusion of the Campaign.
A list of Trustees and Corporate Partners can be found on www.thefirsttee.org. For more information about The First Tee Campaign for 10 Million Young People, visit www.thefirsttee.org/campaign.
About The First Tee
The First Tee (www.thefirsttee.org), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. With its home office at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla., The First Tee reaches young people on golf courses, in elementary schools and on military installations.
Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 6.5 million young people in all 50 United States and six international locations. The First Tee is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation and its Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Shell Oil Company is The First Tee’s Founding Corporate Partner and Johnson & Johnson is its Legacy Partner. Former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair.
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Media Contact:
Jane Fader
The First Tee
904-838-7273 (mobile)
jfader@thefirsttee.org
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