Category: Newsletter

The Joyce Taylor Eagle Award and scholarship was presented to Nicholas Ngai at The First Tee of Silicon Valley 2019 Invitational Fundraiser on Sunday, July 21st at CordeValle in San Martin, CA. Nicholas was selected based on his good character, academic achievement and life-skill level. In his speech to the Invitational attendees he stressed that his favorite core value was integrity which has shaped the young man he has become.  The purpose of the award is to provide a graduate the financial hope of attending college. It has been made possible by a very generous 9-year grant by PG&E several years ago. Thank you to all our Invitational supporters that help fund our programs: Altria, PhRMA, AERA, Noteware & Rosa Government Relations, Chevron, Borrego Health, SDGE, Sempra Energy, SAGA Foundation, Intuit, CDA, Niemela – Pappas & Associations, Anheuser Busch and Bill Powar. Nicholas has been a participant of The First Tee of Silicon Valley since 2011 and has completed all 4 projects at the Ace Level.  He is a graduate of Valley Christian High School and will attend UC Berkeley in the Fall to study Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.  Nicholas was a dedicated Administrative Volunteer, PwC Financial Literacy Attendee, and SAP Career Day Attendee. Joyce Taylor (1957–2010) was a woman known for her intelligence, warmth, and elegance. She graduated with honors (Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of Oklahoma (OU) in Norman, OK, with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism. Joyce became a highly successful and respected business woman and community leader with a long career in telecommunications. In 1997, she was promoted to Regional President, Bay Area, and then Senior Vice President, External Affairs-Northern California, AT&T, where she oversaw legislative, governmental and external affairs activities in Northern California. Joyce worked extensively with Bay Area business and community-based organizations. Her support of the Eagles at Rancho del Pueblo junior golf program was instrumental to its growth and success. In 2005, the program became The First Tee of Silicon Valley to develop the character of youth through golf throughout Santa Clara County. Joyce’s support helped to build a solid program that has reached over 66,000 youth from 2005 to 2019.

On August 3^rd, 2019, TFTSV attended the Jr. Giants Award Day, coordinated by Police Activities League of Redwood City. Over 200 students attended the event, bringing together youth enrichment organizations with the Redwood City PAL community and honoring the outstanding achievements of PAL students. PAL invited TFTSV to set up golf games and a registration table for participants and families at the Jr. Giants. The goal was to allow participants an opportunity to try golf and register for the upcoming Fall Session. Each Friday beginning September 6^th, PAL will be providing van transportation for students to attend the Fall TFTSV 8-class session at Baylands Golf Links. For some, Friday’s class will be their first ever time on a golf course. For our returning participants this will be their second or third session with TFTSV. If you also are interested in joining our upcoming 8-class session in September, please visit our Youth Classes page. Our 8-class program is open to all and has affordable scholarships starting as low as $20. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer coach and giving back, it is not too late. Please visit our Volunteer page.

Silicon Valley is a global leader, in large part, through the genius and hard work of its scientists, engineers and innovators. However, comparatively fewer under-served students pursue expertise in the fields of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) because they have not had positive exposure. Due to a high demand for these jobs and shortage of a skilled workforce for these disciplines, TFTSV believes it is important to expand our curriculum to provide opportunities and encourage TFTSV youth engagement in STEM. Our developmentally appropriate curriculum uses golf activities as a way for our participants to explore how STEM connects to and impacts our Nine Golf Fundamentals. STEM classes are set to a problem-solving framework which fosters critical thinking and a deeper understanding of golf while inspiring STEM careers.

• Participants experience hands-on activities that foster learning of practical STEM concepts valuable for golf, life, and career choices
• Classes are taught by specialized instructors in a structured approach for problem solving that follows “IDEA” steps
• 1:8 teacher to student ratio in ensure the curriculum is delivered with a high level of retention
• Offered to Par, Birdie and Eagle Class Levels (3rd – 12th grades) during all 4 seasons

Cesar is a 10th grade student at TFTSV. His father Dominic called Coach Matt and said, “I took Cesar to hit some golf balls yesterday evening and he had a very difficult time using his irons to hit the balls on the range. He was very upset and feels that he is not improving. I am on disability from a stroke so we don’t have a lot of money for extra lessons. Is there anything you can do to help him improve his game?” Coach Matt advised Dominic to enroll Cesar in TFTSV Birdie STEM Skills Advancement Class for 8 weeks in the Summer and apply for financial assistance ($20 – $40 for 12 hours of instruction). He explained that he has seen improvement with other students that have taken the class because it has given them a different perspective for improving their golf techniques and on course strategies. After taking the STEM class, Cesar’s father exclaimed, “Cesar’s game has greatly improved, I used to be able to beat him but now he beat me by 10 strokes on 9 holes!” Registration for the September STEM Skills Advancement Class as well as Golf Play and Golf Practice is open now through August 27.  Contact us if you would like to sponsor or underwrite our STEM Classes.

On July 31st, The First Tee of Silicon Valley competed in the 2019 TFT NorCal Regional Cup at Poppy Ridge Golf Course. Joining Silicon Valley were The First Tee of Monterey County, Contra Costa, Tri-Valley, Sacramento, Central Valley, San Francisco, and San Joaquin. Each team brought 6 players to compete and represent their chapter in an aggregate team competition. Representing The First Tee of Silicon Valley were Dylan Chang, Gracie Lacy, Isaac Chang, Mitchell Fong, and Rachana Ajjarapu. “I’m proud of the way you conducted yourselves and how you demonstrated the core values that we all try to exhibit every day.  While the course and conditions were challenging, your perseverance and integrity were on point and I enjoyed sharing the day with you all. I am a strong believer of the “we help make better people” in our chapter.  While golf is fun and important, the real goal is to help equip each of you with the tools to meet the challenges in the path of life.  Your parents who support your golf and are the origin of your personal values deserve a heartfelt thank you from yourselves and from me, so please take a moment to put everything in perspective and thank them for being there for you.” said Jeffy Chang, Ambassador and Volunteer coach.

The Big “D” Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Andres Herrera on July 19, 2019 at the annual Big “D” Memorial Golf Tournament at DeLaveaga Golf Course in Santa Cruz.  The golfers attended to remember Dennis Big “D” Kettmann and their generosity provided the proceeds to underwrite a special scholarship for a The First Tee of Silicon Valley chosen participant. Andres has been a participant of The First Tee of Silicon Valley since 2013 and is currently at the Ace level.  He is attending Santa Teresa High School and will be a Junior in the Fall.  Andres’ excellent life skills made him the top candidate for the award.  This scholarship will provide the financial means for Andres to attend college to study Sports Management. Andres gave a speech to the 120+ people in attendance for dinner at the Big D Memorial Tournament.  He shared how The First Tee of Silicon Valley’s core value Perseverance has helped him overcome challenges in golf and life. He discussed how TFTSV provided opportunities and lessons for him to become more outgoing and confident. TFTSV Ace class helped him plan for college and career. Dennis’s son and co-organizer of the Memorial Tournament, Matt Kettmann, learned the game from Dennis and knows that he must be smiling wherever he is knowing that his memory is now helping young people with The First Tee of Silicon Valley fall in love with golf too.

Time for a new set of clubs! Bring your used clubs to the PGA TOUR Superstore in East Palo Alto on Saturday, August 10th from 1pm to 5pm. Collecting used clubs enables The First Tee of Silicon Valley to pursue our mission to impact the lives of under-served youth by providing education programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.  These donations allow us to provide the necessary equipment for those on financial assistance to participate. Bring your used clubs in good condition and less than 10 years old to the PGA TOUR Superstore (1751 East Bayshore Road, East Palo Alto, CA  94303) on Saturday, August 10th from 1pm to 5pm. What We Accept

• Clubs: full sets, usable drivers/putters/fairway metals, and iron sets (Junior sets preferred)
• New bags, balls, towels, tees and ball markers

We are not able to collect clothing (hats, shoes, socks, jackets) or equipment (pull/push cards, training aids, travel bags, used bags). Add New  

On June 21^st, TFTSV in partnership with the Police Activities League and the Sheriffs Activities League held the first of 7 classes for 24 students at Baylands Golf Links. Our partnership started with both programs in October of 2018. With funding and support from the SAGA Foundation’s President, David Bartoshuk, TFTSV began working with PAL and SAL of Redwood City to bring DRIVE to their programs and schools. Our partnership began with DRIVE clinics held at Taft Elementary, Garfield Elementary, Fair Oaks Elementary, Connect Charter School and Hoover Elementary. Students who enjoyed the DRIVE clinics and wanted to continue their golf experience then attended our 8-week sessions at SportsHouse, an enclosed soccer & recreational facility in Redwood City for the Winter and Spring. Beginning this Summer, 24 of those students had van transportation to Baylands Golf Links thanks to the financial backing of The Saga Foundation, and the coordination and assistance from the PAL staff led by Program Director, Anthony Gomez. For most of the 24 participants, this was the first time they had ever been to a golf course. TFTSV Program Manager, Chris Moreno-Hunt, said “We are thrilled to have the students continue their TFTSV classes and experience at a real golf course. The road to this point was a product of a successful collaboration with multiple dedicated youth and community leaders.  We are grateful for the contributions of the PAL staff, SAL staff and Sheriffs, school leaders at our partnering Redwood City Schools, Redwood City Parks and Recs, Baylands Golf Links, and the SAGA Foundation. Together we are able to positively impact students and will continue to provide a unique Life Skills experience through golf.” TFTSV will continue to collaborate with our community partners and schools with the intention of building a sustainable pathway for students to access golf and golf facilities.

On Saturday, June 1st The First Tee of Silicon Valley participated in the Alum Rock Union School District’s (ARUSD) Parent University Family Fun Day.  In addition, the San Jose Police Department Summer Kick Off event was combined with the Parent University to bring over 700 people from the Alum Rock community to connect them with city resources and services. TFTSV set up golf games and an information table for students and parents to play and learn more about our program from our bilingual staff. The events at Arbuckle Elementary also included organized family activities, health screenings, and a resource fair. “TFTSV are proud partners with ARUSD and we are grateful for the invitation to present our program to the ARUSD community.” Said TFTSV Program Manager Chris Moreno-Hunt. “We are committed to reaching out to our communities, opening our doors, and making golf more accessible for everyone.”

It can be hard to find time to volunteer, especially with how busy life can be. The benefits to you, your family, and your community are enormous. The more you volunteer, the more you’ll receive in return. Volunteering at TFTSV provides an amazing opportunity to meet many interesting people, whether it be participants, parents, or coaches. You interact with people who share your interests, which strengthens your ties to the community. Volunteering is also good for your mind and body. First, it helps counteract the effects of stress, anger, and anxiety. By connecting with members of our organization, you take your mind off your own worries and develop a reliable support system. Volunteering also makes you happy – being helpful towards others delivers pleasure because we are naturally hard-wired to give to others. By doing good for the participants, more specifically building character, instilling life-enhancing values, and promoting healthy choices, you feel a sense of accomplishment. This builds self-confidence and gives you a sense of identity. The better you feel about yourself, the more positive you will view your life and future goals. Volunteering at the TFTSV also entails constant walking and movement, which results in a smaller likelihood of developing high blood pressure and lessens symptoms of chronic pain. All in all, volunteering, especially at our organization, is an exciting, fulfilling way to explore your passions. It gives you a healthy opportunity to escape from your daily routine and provides you with renewed creativity and motivation that can carry over to other areas of your life. We are looking for volunteer coaches as well as administrative volunteers. Click on the “Contact Us” button on our website to get started. Be sure to select ‘Volunteering’ as your area of interest.

The First Tee of Silicon Valley (TFTSV) is thrilled by the selection of Ralph Kho to play in this year’s PURE Insurance Championship benefitting The First Tee at Pebble Beach on Friday, September 27th to Sunday, September 29th. He is one of 78 participants selected from across the nation. Ralph is a long-time participant in TFTSV’s program and is well on his way to certifying at the Ace level, our highest level. Not only has he been dedicated to progressing through TFTSV’s program, but he has also been generous by giving back to the TFTSV “family” in a variety of ways, including as a Junior Coach and volunteer at many TFTSV events over the years. Ralph is truly a fine young man with a very bright future. He will be a senior at Junipero Serra High School this fall. Ralph’s selection for the event is very timely given his pioneering, TFTSV class history at Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course, The Golf Club at Moffett Field, and now Baylands Golf Links (formerly Palo Alto Muni). He was one of TFTSV’s first participants as we expanded our classes to Palo Alto, then temporarily relocated our classes to Moffett Field during the construction of Baylands. TFTSV returned its classes to Baylands last summer and is endeavoring to make an investment to the facility in the form of a learning center and improvements to the range and practice areas. “Ralph should be extremely proud (and excited!) not only by his selection to play in this tournament, but also by his dedication to TFTSV as it made — and continues to expand — its place in the greater Palo Alto area. Go Ralph!” said George Maxe, President and CEO of The First Tee of Silicon Valley.

The First Tee of Silicon Valley (TFTSV) received a $3,500 Grant from Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) to underwrite our new STEM class initiative and a $3,500 Grant to underwrite financial assistance for low income participants.  SVB supports their employees’ passion for community giving by offering employees the opportunity to apply for SVB Foundation grants on behalf of nonprofit organizations for which they actively volunteer. SVB also matches an employee’s personal donations to nonprofit organizations of their choice. Reka Mishra, Director of EPMO Center of Excellence at SVB Financial Group, was drawn to TFTSV’s efforts to develop youth throughout Silicon Valley, transforming their lives and giving them a brighter future. She is proud to be a TFTSV Board Ambassador of a community benefit organization that’s mission impacts 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. Reka said, “Being a golfer and advocate for STEM, I was very interested in supporting TFTSV’s innovative platform to offer under-served youth the opportunity to develop both personally and professionally while exposing them to STEM concepts for improved career choices.” Matt Crismond, Vice President – Leveraged Finance, was first drawn to TFTSV as a volunteer coach in the Summer of 2018. Dating back to when he was a summer counselor at a local golf camp, he saw the importance of providing kids with a supportive environment in which they could not only practice and play golf, but more noticeably develop self-confidence, social skills, and healthy lifestyles that they take far beyond the course. Today, Matt is a proud TFTSV Board Ambassador and plans to continue to be a volunteer coach in the future. When talking about TFTSV Matt said, “Seeing the transformation and growth of the kids from the beginning of an 8-week session to the end is by far the most rewarding part of being part of this great organization!”. Silicon Valley is a global leader, in large part, through the genius and hard work of its scientists, engineers and innovators. However, comparatively under-served students do not pursue expertise in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics because they have not had positive exposure. Due to a high demand for these jobs and shortage of a skilled workforce for these disciplines, TFTSV believes it is important to expand our curriculum to provide opportunities and encourage youth engagement in STEM.

It was another amazing Open golf tournament at Cinnabar Hills Golf Course on June 21^st, which allowed us to raise $186K net.  Thank you to our presenting sponsor EY; hosting sponsors PGA TOUR Superstore and Hallagan-Huston Family Foundation, in addition to contributing sponsors PwC, Green Valley Corp./Swenson, and DeWinter Group; plus the many hole and foursome supporters.  See our Open program for a full list of this year’s supporters. Both the weather and pace of play were perfect, which set the stage for a very enjoyable day for our 160 players.  The day kicked off with a speech by Ashley sharing her experiences from our new STEM class and giving tips to the players.  Players enjoyed a BBQ lunch donated by Que It Up and beverages donated by Reyes Coca Cola and Anheuser-Busch. Post tournament activities featured Mitch Juricich of Hooked on Golf as our emcee, as well Dinner, Awards, and Silent and Live Auctions.  Andres spoke to the attendees about his journey from Columbia to the United States and how The First Tee of Silicon Valley has impacted him over the past seven years as a financial assistance participant. The tournament’s Fund-A-Need focused on underwriting financial assistance for our STEM classes, which launched this past year from funds raised at last year’s Open.  Our new initiative introduces STEM concepts through golf which are developmentally appropriate curriculum using golf activities as a way for our participants to explore how science, technology, engineering, and math connect to and impact our Nine Golf Fundamentals. We provide affordable access to all youth 2nd through 12th grade while focusing on the under-served, at risk by offering financial assistance. We need your help to continue growing our program.  Please consider underwriting one or more participant. Mark your calendars for next year’s Open on Friday, June 19, 2020.  Please contact Judy Dixon for sponsorship opportunities –[email protected] or 408-508-4481. Check out all the pics in the 2019 Open Album on Facebook #TFTSVOpen.