First Tee – Silicon Valley recently elected Shawn Fox to our Board of Directors.
Shawn started golfing when Tiger did. His grandfather, who he still plays with, introduced him to the game. He went on to compete in college and other golf tournaments. He shared that golf taught him so many lessons and created so many marquee moments in his life. Shawn lives in Redwood City and plays at Baylands Golf Links (FTSV class course location). He is excited to shift his time to philanthropic endeavors and support a non-profit that he relates to with the character-building mission through a sport he loves. In addition to joining the FTSV Board of Directors, Shawn will also be joining our volunteer coaching staff.
Professionally, Shawn is a solution-oriented leader with more than 18 years of experience driving transformative growth and maximizing performance across diverse organizations. His recent positions were Head of Business Planning at Tesla and Director, Strategy and Commercial Performance at Anheuser-Busch InBev. Shawn graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology, Management and earned his MBA at Columbia Business School.
Shawn is a great addition to our FTSV Board of Directors. Director responsibilities include voting, providing planning, performance, legal and financial oversight, and raising sufficient funds to ensure FTSV’s success. Click Here to meet all our Board of Directors and learn more.
Contact Judy Dixon if you have interest in learning more about our volunteer Board opportunities as a Director or Ambassador.
First Tee – Silicon Valley recently elected Maximilian (Max) von Poelnitz to our Board of Directors.
Max saw the FTSV banner at Baylands Golf Links (FTSV course class location) and said to himself – “It’s time to get involved.” He moved here 4 years ago and used to do lots of volunteering. The idea of golf to teach children larger life skills felt like a good fit. In addition to joining the FTSV Board of Directors, Max will also be joining our volunteer coaching staff.
Professionally, Max is a climate and food tech investor excited by innovation in personal nutrition, electrification and B2B bio tech. He is currently Managing Director at Ajinomoto CVC and Investor at numerous companies. He has over 15 years of experience across North America and Asia. Max has built numerous start-ups, founded a venture capital firm, invested as a CVC, and joined as an LP in Loyal VC. He received his BA in History from Wake Forest University and earned his MBA at INSEAD.
Max is a great addition to our FTSV Board of Directors. Director responsibilities include voting, providing planning, performance, legal and financial oversight, and raising sufficient funds to ensure FTSV’s success. Click Here to meet all our Board of Directors and learn more.
Contact Judy Dixon if you have interest in learning more about our volunteer Board opportunities as a Director or Ambassador.
First Tee – Silicon Valley needs help from you to Change the Game for MORE Kids!
We have MORE Capacity. First Tee – Silicon Valley is thrilled to share that we have a new 25-year agreement for expanded access at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course which doubles our course capacity. We have the space to help 10,000 kids annually – now we need the funding to support our growth.
Mentoring is Priceless. If you had a mentor growing up, you know that having someone to listen and give guidance to overcome life’s challenges can be transforming. When we look back on the over 100,000 kids First Tee – Silicon Valley has worked with, we are filled with pride and joy knowing that our mentors and our youth development program was there for the kids of our community.
We have Long-term Mentoring Impact. Our intentional focus on the recruitment, retention and progression of our participants has a big impact.
100% of our long-term kids and teens graduate high school
100% of our long-term teens attend college
100% learn life skills that make them good citizens!
75% of our long-term high school participants give back as junior mentors
Our Kids Face Heavy Stuff. The pressures of social media, loneliness, mental health struggles, family dynamics, peer and family judgment, inequities of living in Silicon Valley and devastating world events are all adversely affecting youth. FTSV creates a supportive, safe, and positive environment where kids are empowered to be themselves, and feel included!
We are a National Leader. We lead the nation among the 140 First Tee chapters in several key program measures including the highest number of participants selected to national academies and leadership opportunities:
85% diversity 48% low-income
55% retention 1:4 mentor ratio
Meet Alexandra. “I can say that I am a different person now than when I first joined First Tee – Silicon Valley,” says Alexandra. “I consider First Tee – Silicon Valley to be my greatest support system that has given me a place to practice and develop my personal skills.” Listen to Alexandra share her personal story and how FTSV is helping her on her journey to be the first in her family to attend college.
$500 Donation. Will underwrite one low-income course participant and one Title 1 student to experience our school program. That’s $40 a month for high-quality mentorship teaching our character-building life lessons that have proven to make a difference.
Ways to Give. We are locally funded by people like you! Consider a recurring or one-time donation or select FTSV as your Company Matching or Donor Advised Funds charity.
Click Here for credit card donation or make a pledge to mail us a check.
First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) recently wrapped up one of our four 8-week Ace classes throughout the year. This past fall season FTSV delivered the Ace – Education Class to 11 FTSV high school participants. In this Ace class, participants:
Explored the different post high school educational opportunities;
Performed research on college offerings including; student life experiences, academic offerings, and campus support;
Reviewed specific details on the college application process;
Worked on effective personal statement writing techniques & approaches;
Explored ways to pay for college including details on grants & scholarships;
Engaged in budgeting techniques; and
Learned about saving options and loan/interest details.
This upcoming winter we will be delivering our Ace Give-Back classes that covers the following:
Transferable work and self-management skills, learned through volunteering;
Going above and beyond framework;
Interviewing strategies;
Professional correspondence;
Volunteer opportunity exploration; and
Group norms and dynamics – collaboration.
The goal of our Ace classes is to apply the life skills that we learn throughout First Tee to the next steps of their upcoming adult life. Additionally, we aim to equip our high schoolers with specific tools to succeed post high school.
All 9th graders and above (new or returning) may take the upcoming Ace-Give Back and other Ace classes. However, in order to be Ace-certified, which is the highest First Tee participant honor, participants that have been in our program for more than 3 years may also complete the supplemental Ace course work and submit an application for Ace-certification.
In addition to the two Ace classes mentioned above, we also have the Ace-Career class in the spring and the Ace-Golf class in the summer.
Any high schooler is encouraged to join our Ace classes on Fridays from 4:30pm-6pm this winter. For the Career and Education classes, any high schooler 10th grade and above may join the classes. To register, please click here.
For more information on our four Ace classes, please click here, email [email protected], or call 408-508-4884.
First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) shows appreciation to FTSV adult and junior coaches on Friday, November 1st and Saturday, November 2nd, with games, prizes and dinner.
FTSV Junior Council Plans the Junior Coach Appreciation Event for November 1st
For the first time, FTSV chose to have two coach appreciation events – one for the junior coaches (teen coaches under 18 years old) and the other for adult coaches. Also new this year, the FTSV Junior Council was tasked to plan the event for their peers.
Junior Council members were split into planning committees and were guided by Program Director, Chris Moreno-Hunt. “Our Junior Council is made up of participants that have been in our program for several seasons and years. Throughout their journey in First Tee, they gained communication, self-management, and goal setting skills that were perfect for planning and executing this event. They effectively managed the event budget, coordinated specific roles, and collaborated on various day-of responsibilities. I am so proud of how they worked together, and pushed themselves out of their comfort zone to put on a great event.” Said Chris Moreno-Hunt, FTSV Program Director.
Junior coaches were treated to a mini-putt course, board games, card games, and cornhole. Dinner was VERY popular amongst the kids, with build-your-own burrito bowls from Chipotle. The event wrapped up with the announcement of our raffle prizes and the Junior Coach of the Year.
Adult Coaches enthusiastically attend the November 2nd Party
Party-vibes abound at the Adult Coach appreciation event. There was comradery, an indoor chipping contest, several raffle and tee prizes, an Italian feast from La Villa, and an epic game of Giant Jenga. The event brought together coaches from our three program locations, Baylands Golf Links in Palo Alto, Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course in San Jose, and Gavilan College Golf Course in Gilroy. The event attendance also increased from the previous year (40 people), making the event a great and fun bonding/celebratory night. Coaches are catching on, that this annual event is “the place to be.”
“We are HUGELY thankful for all of our coaches, who give back to kids and teens with their time and wisdom from their life experiences. They are the connectors between the kids and teens and all our life skills curriculum, so their role is critically important. Then when we multiply this by our high number of coaches, we increase the chances that all our participants will benefit from mentoring. Thank you, Coaches!” said George Maxe, FTSV President & CEO.
Being a coach in First Tee – Silicon Valley is an incredibly impactful thing to do.
Character building is a long-game, a never-ending process, and is developed through mentorship and experiences. Simply by spending their time coaching and guiding others, our coaches are changing lives for the better.
The world is always in need of high character individuals, and being a coach provides the opportunity to help build high character leaders for the future.
Additionally, not only are coaches impacting others, they are building a community for themselves full of hard working, kind, growth-minded people who want to spend their free time doing something for others.
Interested in becoming a coach? Please visit our VOLUNTEER PAGE. No golf experience necessary!
First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) was awarded the USGA IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility) $15K Grant to underwrite our Spanish-language instructors and volunteers to assist with programming in the predominantly Hispanic communities that we serve.
FTSV wants to grow our partnerships with Title I schools to bring our Community Partner School Program to more kids in underserved and underrepresented communities. We intentionally recruit Title 1 schools near our on-course golf locations. The School Program equips educators to successfully deliver FTSV’s curriculum of life skills through golf. It includes equipment on loan, training, support, coordination, and a field trip to FTSV course locations. Our staff collaborates with the schools to attend on-site parent information meetings and community events, where we can promote transition to our Golf Course program.
We currently have 2 adult Spanish-speaking part-time employees, Victor and Lina, who help us facilitate marketing outreach to the Spanish community. FTSV creates Spanish version videos and collateral materials. Our Spanish-speaking staff members make follow up phone calls to Spanish-speaking parents and assist them in registering for, and navigating our Golf Course program. They assist in demystifying golf jargon and golf course play outside of our program. Lastly they promote our local/regional/national opportunities, including scholarships, national academies, our tournaments, golf course discounts, our golf club lease program. In other words, they will simplify the process, establish important relationships that will break down barriers, and help participants maximize their engagement in our program offerings.
USGA Directs $200,000 Annually Toward Local Programs
As a founding partner of First Tee, the USGA directs $200,000 annually toward local programs that help build up young people and address the barriers that many face at this critical entry point into the game. FTSV was one of 28 chapters that received up to a $15,000 IDEA grant.
Since the grant program’s inception in 2021, the USGA has awarded 100 grants to more than 50 chapters, supporting initiatives that strengthen inclusion among participants, coaches and volunteers. In total, $810,000 has been awarded to date, with several chapters receiving funding year-over-year to sustain the growth that has been generated from grant activities.
“The work that so many First Tee chapters have done – and will continue to do – as a result of IDEA grant funding is inspiring and goes well beyond the golf course,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan. “It’s important that we not let up on these efforts and continue to deliver resources toward the programs that help eliminate financial, language or accessibility barriers so that even more kids can enjoy our game.”
“Our chapters are reaching young people from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds, offering not only direct access to the game of golf but empowering them to become future leaders,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “Our network is stronger because of the USGA’s continued investment in our mission.”
The National Golf Foundation reports that 3.5 million youth currently play golf, marking a 40% increase in participation from 2019-23. Additionally, the junior segment is more diverse than the overall golf population, with higher percentages of females, people of color and adaptive golfers than ever before.
The means by which young people connect with the game varies greatly from community to community.
(Benefits of Volunteering on your Mental Health) There are many benefits to the community when we volunteer our time. Did you know there are also benefits to your mental health?
Angela Thoreson, a licensed independent clinical social worker in Psychiatry & Psychology in Austin, Minnesota, wrote in a Mayo Clinic article that “ Research has shown that volunteering offers significant health benefits, especially for older adults…”
The main benefit of volunteering is noticeable improvements in mental health. Angela Thoreson explains that “Volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine… Reduced stress further decreases the risk of some physical and mental health problems, such has heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety and general illness.”
As an adult, research shows that volunteering “leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety especially amount people 65 and older.” Additionally, volunteering as an adult “can give you a sense of purpose” writes Trish Lockard in an article for National Alliance on mental Illness (NAMI). “Dedicating time to a cause can give you new direction and allow you to find meaning in something unexpected. It can also take your mind off your own troubles while keeping you mentally stimulated.”
FTSV Coaching is Impactful!
Coaching participants about FTSV’s Life Skills – collaborating with others, pursuing goals, overcoming challenges, showing respect, making good choices, and building a positive self-identity – gives volunteer coaches that worthy cause to rally behind and building blocks to living a happy and healthy life. When you teach those skills, you must also demonstrate them, and that will lead to improved mental health.
Being part of a team also leads to improved mental health. First Tee – Silicon Valley is looking for adult coaches to join our team of over 200 coaches. By becoming a coach or volunteer, you will contribute to the development of the life skills and character of our participants, helping to set them up for the future. You will also benefit personally through the people you will meet and work with.
We rely on Volunteers like you!
As a nonprofit organization, we rely on community members determined to make a difference to work with us, delivering our fun life skill curriculum to the participants. If volunteering as a coach sounds like a good fit for you, please visit our volunteer page where you can apply. Please also consider inviting a friend, or a work colleague.
(Support Our Mission – Become an Ambassador) Leadership, engagement and fundraising are key to First Tee – Silicon Valley’s sustainability and success. Consider being part of a volunteer Board Ambassador program that believes youth development makes a difference.
You are the right person for this role if you are passionate about supporting and advocating for our mission to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf.
Ambassadors represent the diverse interests, needs and concerns of the constituency we serve in the underserved communities within our service area which spans from the southern city of Hollister to Milpitas in the East Bay to Southern San Mateo on the Mid-Peninsula.
Ambassador Attributes include:
Diversity that embodies all the differences of the kids we serve
Modeling The First Tee Code of Conduct and “Respect for Our Organization”
Reflection of high standards of conduct in their professional and public lives
Outreach into golf clubs, professional associations, corporate hierarchies, and personal networks
Willingness to make a difference in the lives of our youth constituents
The Ambassador Role is to give advice, assist with projects, represent the organization in the community at events, help raise funds, and expand FTSV’s network. Many of our Ambassadors also choose to serve as volunteer coaches so they can directly mentor our youth and make a positive difference as a role model. Visit our volunteer page to learn more.
Complete the volunteer form to get started as an Ambassador and/or Coach. We look forward to getting to know you through our interview and our on-boarding process which includes background checks, Safesport training and mission-program training.
Click here to meet all our Staff, Coaches and Board Members.
On Sunday, September 22nd, First Tee – Silicon Valley participants attended the PURE Insurance Championship to go walk Pebble Beach Golf Course in support of our very own Joey Jang.
For this trip, the generous Monterey Peninsula Foundation granted us funds to charter a bus to take 38 participants and 6 chaperones to show our support for Joey and the First Tee. The attending participants were invited based on how long they were in our program and how active they are in our golf opportunities. From taking multiple classes to being in our tournaments, these participants truly have a passion for the game of golf.
The main focus of this field trip is to validate their commitment to our program. By watching these selected First Tee tournament players, we hope this trip inspires our own participants to continue their golf journey with us at First Tee.
The PURE Insurance Championship is an opportunity for committed First Tee participants to be able to play with Professional and Pro-Amateur PGA players at one of the most recognized golf courses in the world- Pebble Beach. The process to get into this tournament requires an application process as well as a referral from your chapter, then the finalized entries are made by First Tee National.
Joey Jang, from Gilroy, was selected to represent our chapter with his partner- 95’ US Open Championship Winner, Corey Pavin. Joey has been part of FTSV since 2016 and has continued to grow as a person through our volunteering opportunities. He gives back on Saturday’s at Gavilan while also maintaining a student-athlete career at Christopher High School. Joey finished -5 on the weekend and ranked within the top 25 in the Tournament. We are beyond proud of how well Joey played and handled himself and will continue to support him as he continues his junior year at Christopher.
We would like to thank the coaches who volunteered as chaperones – Alex W., Nestor A., Amado V., Emma V., and James P. Without the 5 of you, we would not have been able to have this awesome trip. We also wanted to recognize the parents of the invited participants. Thank you for bringing the excited kids to us and trusting us with your children yet again.
Boulder Ridge Ladies Golf Club is held its 3rd Annual Member Guest Tournament on September 27th. They celebrated with the “Around the World in 18 Holes” as their theme and chose First Tee – Silicon Valley’s Girls Golf program as the beneficiary. Elise Nj, FTSV Participant and Junior Coach, spoke at the lunch program to share the impact donations have made on her and will have on introducing other low-income girls to the game of golf. Development Director, Judy Deaton was also in attendance and spoke to the ladies about getting involved as volunteer coaches so the girls have female role models and mentors.
Thank You!
We would like to thank the very generous Presenting Sponsor: Hsing Family Foundation, Boulder Ridge Ladies Group, and all the Hole Sponsors who donated $10,000 directly to FTSV…
Hsing Family Foundation
Material Motion
Trifecta Group, Inc.
Fremont Fire Department
Copenbarger & Copenbarger LLP
Kelly Dippel Real Estate
The Powder Room
RCS Builders
Amentitees-Kerigan Advertising
Forbes Mill Steakhouse/Double D’s Sports Bar and Grill
Mushroom Super Coffee
The Wilshire Group Associates
Ken’s Solar Heating
Special thanks to Tournament Chair Candace Caballero for her continued support!
First Tee – Silicon Valley’s Girls Golf Program is an opportunity to appreciate and enjoy the game of golf while empowering participants to feel confident, build self-esteem and make new friends in an all-girl environment. Girls Golf seasonal events are open to all FTSV Participants – click here for more info.
The 1st Annual KRTY Writers Cup benefits FTSV in a BIG WAY by raising $40K! 140 golfers, including 6 Nashville Songwriters, came out to Cinnabar Hills Golf Club on a toasty Monday for a day of golf, guitars and giving back!
“We are very proud to be able to produce this event for the benefit of First Tee – Silicon Valley” said Nate Deaton, KRTY.com General Manager. “We are lucky to have 6 amazing songwriters with us this year, Trent Tomlinson, Luke Dick, Ray Fulcher, Casey Brown, Tyler Reeve, and of course, Cole Taylor. One night at the end of last year, I mentioned to Cole Taylor that I had an idea to do a Charity Golf Event with Songwriters. He looked at me and said, we could call it the Writers Cup! And here we are.”
After a full day in the sun, players and sponsors were treated to dinner and a show. The songwriters told stories and played and sang some hit country songs. Smack dab in the middle, First Tee – Silicon Valley participant and junior coach, Evan Santoso, spoke about his experiences.
Evan said, “When I think about the First Tee – Silicon Valley, I immediately think of the welcoming community of people that I’ve often thought of as my second family. At First Tee we actually have a term for this: it’s our Go-To Team. My Go-To Team has helped me so much to come out of my shell and grow as a person.” Evan also said that “…the volunteer coaches teach me the fundamentals of golf in a positive way, how to build my character, and how to develop important skills for life. So now I’ve become a volunteer coach myself because I want to give back by growing the game and seeing a new generation foster their own love of golf while learning invaluable life skills.”
The KRTY Writers Cup raffle, live and silent auctions raised an astounding $40K for First Tee – Silicon Valley’s financial aid program. FTSV would like to thank the Writers Cup sponsors, players, and the staff at Legendary KRTY.COM for their support. Without such support, FTSV could not continue to help MORE Kids!
If you have an upcoming tournament and would like to partner with and make First Tee – Silicon Valley the beneficiary, please click here.
First Tee National opportunities are fantastic experiences for our participants. Attendees get to meet new people, create lasting memories, and challenge themselves in unique and interesting ways. Here are the opportunities happening this fall.
First Tee Drive Your Future Academy presented by John Deere
Participants Natalie Kiatsupaibul and Sophia Tang will be representing FTSV at the Drive Your Future Academy this year. Held in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, the DYFA is a female empowerment event recognizing young women who are motivated to influence positive impact at their chapters, schools and communities. The five-day academy experience focuses on the importance of (1) building a strong network and how to approach mentorship opportunities, (2) navigating post-graduation and career planning, and (3) appreciating the value/impact of volunteerism. Over the years, this has been an awesome event where our female participants meet other great FT participants and leaders from across the country, and build connections and networks that they can rely on into the future. Have fun Natalie and Sophia!
First Tee Innovators Forum
Participant Dakota Chang is going to be attending the upcoming Innovators Forum, this year held at the First Tee National Network Summit in Phoenix, Arizona. First Tee Innovators Forum equips and empowers First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their communities focused on education, health, human rights, or environmental sustainability. Selected participants have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders through interactive workshops and small group breakout sessions. By bringing together passionate participants from across the chapter network, First Tee Innovators Forum provides a distinctive enrichment experience, engaging teens who share a similar desire for learning and generating changes in their communities. Dakota has been a stand out participant and volunteer for many years. We have no doubt that she will positively represent our chapter at this national First Tee event.
The Power of Opportunity
When FTSV participants attend National Opportunities, they meet participants, coaches and mentors from across the country. Through collaboration and teamwork, First Tee teens make lasting friendships, learn more about their strengths, and push themselves to be their best selves. These opportunities are available to those who have demonstrated their ability to go above and beyond in the program, and who continue to become involved in the many different sessions FTSV has to offer. Most of the opportunities occur during the summer, so applications are due in the spring. If you would like to learn more about applying for National Opportunities, please reach out to Coach Phoenix ([email protected]) or visit our website.
