Category: 2019

On November 15^th and 16^th TFTSV hosted the first two of eight classes of at SportsHouse in Redwood City. Over 60 free and reduced lunch students were recruited by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Activities League (SAL) and the Redwood City’s Police Activities League (PAL) for the 8-week session November 15^th through January 31^st. PAL officers and staff, along with SAL deputies joined our coaching team to deliver our Life and Golf Skill curriculum in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Each week, students learn one of our Nine Core Values and a golf fundamental through golf games and activities. Funding for program equipment, outreach efforts, and facility rental was provided by the SAGA Foundation led by President, David Bartoshuk. The SAGA Foundation assists nonprofits to work smarter, reach further, and have a lasting impact. Program Manager Chris Moreno-Hunt says, “on behalf of our TFTSV staff we would like to thank The SAGA Foundation, San Mateo Country Sheriff’s Activities League, the Redwood City’s Police Activities League, SportsHouse staff, and the school officials at Taft, Clifford, Connect, Fair Oaks, and Garfield schools. We are grateful to have a team of dedicated partners aligned with the same goal of extending opportunities for youth development.

The First Tee of Silicon Valley was the recipient of a generous $6,000 grant from CordeValle Youth Golf Foundation to underwrite the cost of golf hats for all new participants in 2019. All participants are provided The First Tee of Silicon Valley logoed hats at no charge to wear as part of their class uniform. This is a terrific way to reinforce the importance of proper etiquette, to build community, and to publicize our program. The non-profit CordeValle Youth Golf Foundation was founded in 2004. The foundation’s mission is to expand access to the sport of golf for children of all income levels by directly supporting successful youth golf programs throughout the Santa Clara County. The goal is to provide youth with the opportunity to learn the sport, receive lessons and equipment, practice, compete, and build positive life skills. The Foundation annually awards approximately $100,000 in grants to deserving programs. The foundation is funded through a $50,000 annual contribution from CordeValle Golf Club and raises an additional $50,000 per year through CordeValle’s public charity tournaments. The CordeValle Youth Golf Foundation and The First Tee of Silicon Valley are equally committed to expanding opportunities for youth of all income levels to have access to the sport of golf. Through the discipline and challenge of golf, youth in the Santa Clara County are provided a community with a safe environment and positive life alternatives that build confidence and character, ultimately helping them succeed in our community and in life.

Bring your used clubs to the PGA TOUR Superstore in East Palo Alto on Saturday, February 9th from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. 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, February 9^th from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. We are collecting:

• Clubs: full sets, usable drivers/putters/fairway metals, and iron sets
• 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).

Matt Sheppard (Program Manager) and Lam Nguyen (PGATSS)                 George Maxe (President & CEO) and Matt