Author: juliebdo

On September 30th, The First Tee of Silicon Valley brought 36 TFTSV DRIVE participants on a bus trip to the 2018 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee at Pebble Beach Golf Course. TFTSV participants, who were mostly from our outreach efforts in the Alum Rock Unified School District in East San José, took part in the Chevron STEM Zone and learned how science, technology, engineering, and math impacts golf. They also cheered on our 4 local chapter teens: Linette Jun, Calton Kong, Erica Lam & Kelly Yu who were selected to compete in the official PGA TOUR Champions event September 24-30. What an inspiration for the field trip students to observe how the efforts of our high -school, Eagle certified participants earned them the coveted spot to play along-side professional and amateur golfers in a nationally televised event. After watching the golf tournament, they returned to Rancho del Pueblo to hit range balls and turn their inspiration into action! TFTSV sends a special thank you to the Monterey Peninsula Foundation http://www.montereypeninsulafoundation.org/ for providing the grant which allowed us to cover transportation to and from Pebble Beach and participate in the Chevron STEM Zone. TFTSV will be piloting its own STEM classes to Birdie level participants this Winter. Elective classes for Par, Birdie, Eagle and Ace will begin in the Spring of 2019. TFTSV’s STEM curriculum will integrate The First Tees’s nine golf fundamentals with developmentally appropriate STEM concepts.

The Silicon Valley Business Travel Association (SVBTA) named The First Tee of Silicon Valley their charity beneficiary for the third year in a row and made a generous $2,000 donation. The 24^th annual tournament of business leaders responsible for the purchase of annual travel services exceeding $1Billion was held on Monday, September 24^th at Silver Creek Valley Country Club. Tournament Director, Chris Suarez said, “We are happy to give back to a non-profit that introduces youth to the game of golf while teaching them life skills”. Robby Keith, former participant and current instructor, delivered a powerful speech to the 200 members. He shared how the TFTSV program embraced, educated and empowered him to become the person he is today. Robby joined the program when he was 7 years old and graduated Ace certified in 2015. He is proud to be a role model and enjoys giving back as a mentor.

It’s easy!  While you’re carving your Halloween pumpkins, think about carving out space in your garage and donate your vehicle to The First Tee of Silicon Valley. Whether you give a car, truck, boat, motorcycle, or RV, we make it easy — and the pick-up is free for any vehicle you give. Our partner Donor Representatives are available seven days a week to walk you through the process from start to finish. Call 855-500-RIDE (7433) or go to our Vehicle Donation page so you can schedule your free pick-up in time for a sweet 2018 tax deduction. Running or not, spooky or not — your generous donation will be a much-needed treat!  Learn More

Board Ambassador, Dave Cook hosted 30 fellow Saratoga Country Club members at an Open House on Sept. 27, 2018 to promote and introduce The First Tee of Silicon Valley. Thai Hoang, a Senior at Willow Glen High School and Ace Participant, spoke about the impact the program has had on his life over the last 8 years.  He concluded his speech by saying, “ I came to The First Tee of Silicon Valley to play golf and ended up learning so much more than golf, like the life lessons and giving back to the community. I definitely feel blessed to be part of ‘The First Tee Family’. I have a go-to team for life, and in return, I do my best to support my family when I can.” In addition to hearing a participant testimonial, guests enjoyed hearing how Dave got involved in TFTSV starting as a volunteer coach and then joining the Board in 2015. The evening also included watching the “More Than A Game” video and guests had an opportunity for a Q&A with Executive Director, George Maxe. It was a very attentive and supportive group that all left with their Masters raffle tickets with high hopes that they will be headed to Augusta. Open Houses are designed to further educate people about The First Tee of Silicon Valley and encourage support through advocating, volunteering, or donating. If you would like to host an Open Houses of your own, please contact our Development Director, Judy Dixon, at [email protected].

The First Tee of Silicon Valley was pleased to participate in, and support the 11th annual Peter Pabst, S.J Legacy Golf Tournament benefiting Sacred Heart Nativity Schools and Cristo Rey San José Jesuit High School, held on September 24^th, 2018. All of the tournament proceeds go towards helping Sacred Heart Nativity School and Cristo Rey Jesuit High School break the cycle of poverty through education. Sacred Heart operates largely as a tuition-free private school serving low-income youth in San José, and Cristo Rey Jesuit empowers students from underserved communities to be accomplished leaders committed to a lifelong pursuit of learning, faith, and justice. 98% of their funding comes from individual donors and from events like the Peter Pabst Legacy Golf Tournament. The First Tee of Silicon Valley is proud to be a tee sponsor for the tournament and pleased to be a partner with Sacred Heart Nativity School through the delivery of our in-school DRIVE program.

On Tuesday, September 18th, The First Tee of Silicon Valley participated in the Alum Rock Unified District‘s Back to School Night. Over 500 attendees from families across the Alum Rock School District attended the event which included student performances and information on local community service organizations and resources. The First Tee of Silicon Valley set up an informational booth for students, parents, and guardians to find out more about our in-school and after school programs. Students and families were also able to try golf using our DRIVE equipment. “Thank you Alum Rock Unified School District for inviting and including us in your community network,” said Program Manager, Chris Moreno-Hunt. “We are proud to serve their students and be a positive influence in their community.”

On Tuesday, September 18th, Sacred Heart Nativity School implemented The First Tee of Silicon Valley’s DRIVE program for the first time in the 2018/19 school year. Located in San José, Sacred Heart Nativity School provides a transformative tuition-free middle school education to low-income youth. This week over 100 Sacred Heart students will play golf as a part of their PE class and explore how to show respect for others, themselves, and their surroundings through golf. Tuesday marks the first of 18 DRIVE classes taught by the school’s physical educators. “We are excited to partner with Sacred Heart Nativity School,” said Program Manager, Chris Moreno-Hunt. “Golf is not always the most accessible sport, but with DRIVE being delivered at their school, their students can enjoy the sport and learn the intrinsic core values associated with the game at no cost.”

The First Tee of Silicon Valley recently added three new Directors to our Board. Board Directors vote, provide planning, performance, legal and financial oversight and raise sufficient funds to ensure TFTSV’s success. Steve Guerrero, Jr. has over 20 years of business development experience and is currently working at Western Digital in Enterprise Sales. Steve is most proud of his humanitarian work through the non-profit organizations he has been affiliated with including the Role Model Program and Boy Scouts of America SCC. He joined the TFTSV as a Board Director in June 2018. Frank Wilde is a seasoned executive and management consultant with a track record of success in software development, marketing strategy, and customer loyalty; and is currently working in SAP’s Global Center of Excellence division as the Sr. Director. Frank enjoys community service and philanthropy by serving his 24^th year on the Executive Board for Habitat for Humanity San Francisco.  He joined TFTSV in 2017 as an Ambassador and was asked to become a Director in August of 2018. Steve Almassy, Jr. is a retired Partner from EY after an impressive 41-year career and continues to serve as an Industry Global Vice Chair. Steve is an Advisory Board Member for Worldwide Women and SCU Leavey School of Business. He joined TFTSV as a Board Director in August of 2018. In addition to three new Directors, The First Tee of Silicon Valley added one new Ambassador.  TFTSV’s Board Ambassadors give advice, assist with projects, represent the organization in the community at events, help raise funds, and expand TFTSV’s network throughout Silicon Valley and beyond. Reka Mishara specializes in Hands On Technology Program Management, Global Business Operations and is a Transformation Leader. She is currently working in the Center of Excellence division of Silicon Valley Bank Financial Group as the Enterprise Program Management Officer.  She has been very involved at the non-profit PMI and is very passionate about the Women in Leadership Initiative, driving diversity and mentorship. Reka joined TFTSV Board as an Ambassador in August 2018.

The First Tee of Silicon Valley wanted to hear how participants felt about our youth development program through golf so we conducted a survey of the 210 students that attended the 2018 Summer session. We were happy to learn that 92% of the participants said their golf skills improved and 88% said their life skills improved by taking an 8-week session. But more importantly, 94% said they had fun which is why over 55% of our participants progress through the program. Our curriculum is divided into 5 levels where students are learning 10 Golf Skills while applying The First Tee Nine Core Values and the 27 Core Life Lessons. Through this process participants learn to appreciate diversity, resolve conflicts, build confidence and set goals for their future. The First Tee of Silicon Valley believes positive youth development happens through a meaningful, quality relationship between the coach and participant. Mentor coaches are critical to ensuring our participants have an optimum and enjoyable learning environment.  Over 72% of our participants felt their coach “cared about them”. We are always assessing how our participants learn best so we can connect with them at a high level. 58 % said they learn best by doing, 21% by seeing, 13% by hearing which is why we keep our lessons very interactive. We also asked parents a few questions and were happy to learn that 89% said they plan to continue enrolling their child in TFTSV classes and 82% said the environment (making friends, building a community, and creating a sense of belonging) was very good or excellent.

PGA Golf Clinics for Women came to Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club on August 20th. The clinics are led by PGA of America, delivered by Jane Blalock (27-time winner on the LGPA Tour), and presented by MetLife. It was part of a nationwide series of 12 full-day events designed to welcome and empower women to learn more about golf. Their vision is to impact future generations of women to be more successful on and off the course, as well as enhance their personal connection to the game.  96 clinic participants learned golf skills while making social and business connections. They received personalized assessments and instruction from PGA Professionals and LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals including our own local pros and TFTSV Program Instructors Molly Springmann, Collen Henry and Kuniko Tischler. The First Tee of Silicon Valley was pleased to be on-site with an information booth to show our support for empowering women through golf.

95.3 KRTY presented a generous $5,000 donation to The First Tee of Silicon Valley as the beneficiary of the sold-out Justin Moore concert at Clos La Chance Winery on August 20th.  It was an amazing evening as over 700 people sat under the stars to enjoy an intimate music performance. Justin who is a golfer himself and played that morning next door at CordeValle said to the audience, “I am so happy to be a part of this charity night in support of The First Tee of Silicon Valley – they are doing great work teaching kids core values through the game of golf.” A special thanks to KRTY staff: General Manager, Nate Deaton; Sales Manager Tina Ferguson and Promotions Director, Jamie Jackson for supporting us.  Also in attendance was TFTSV Board Director, Ernie Moreno and his wife Stacy along with TFTSV President/CEO, George Maxe and TFTSV Development Director, Judy Dixon (all pictured below).