Cisco’s Team Orion Supports TFTSV

On November 21^st, The First Tee of Silicon Valley through the efforts of Board Director, John Ritchie, was invited to be the philanthropy partner for Cisco’s Supply Chain Team Orion off-site event at the Santa Clara Marriott. Through their wonderful giving-matching program, Cisco approved The First Tee of Silicon Valley as a beneficiary and their employees generously donated to help further our mission of transforming the lives of under-served youth in our community. During the event, 100 employees heard from two of the young adults who have participated in and benefitted from the First Tee Program here in Silicon Valley.  Andres Herrera has been a participant since 2013. He is currently a Junior Volunteer Coach and a Senior at Santa Teresa HS. Gabby Ruiz has been a participant since 2009. She is currently a Mentor/Instructor and a Junior at Mission College.  The employees were able to witness through their speeches the extraordinary impact the program has had on the character, education and career trajectories. Then the fun began when employees divided into teams to compete in the horse race putting challenge. First Tee staff transformed the room into a putting range of 10 stalls where employees tested their ability to roll a golf ball into one of the point zones to advance their “horse” to the finish line. The winning teams were Illegal Advantage and Silver Streak. In addition to matching donations, TFTSV held a raffle at the event. Lynette Dawson was the winner of a foursome of golf at the amazing Rosewood CordeValle in San Martin, CA. It was a great afternoon with Team Orion who embraced our non-profit and generously contributed to under-writing our financial aid program. A special thanks John Ritchie, Lori Osterback, Kristin Weber, and Christina Garcia.