Tag: October 2024

Support Our Mission – Become an Ambassador

(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.

Published: 10-11-2024

FTSV Participants Field Trip to Pure Insurance Tournament

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.

We hope for another great event next year!

Published: 10-11-2024

Boulder Ridge Ladies Group Supports FTSV’s Girls Golf

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.

Published: 10-11-2024

KRTY Writers Cup Benefits FTSV in a BIG WAY!

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.

We’ll see y’all next year!

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Published: 10-11-2024

Fall National Opportunities

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!

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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.

Published: 10-11-2024

Coach Spotlight: John Spadafore

Coach Spotlight: John Spadafore has been involved with First Tee – Silicon Valley since 2009 when he started as a participant. He took classes through 2014, began volunteering as a coach, and then quickly transitioned into paid instructor. Because of his experience as a child in the program, Coach John has a personal connection with the curriculum. It makes what he does as a coach just that much more special.

“As a former participant, it feels like I get to give back what I was taught, just like coaches did for me years ago. Specifically, a lesson that really stuck with me was about dealing with conflicts. Instead of a “I am always right” mentality, First Tee coaches taught me how to work with others to resolve an issue and find win – win solutions using the CARE* model.”

*CARE = Communicate, Actively Listen, Review Options, End with a Win-Win

One of the most special parts of First Tee is the collaboration that happens on all levels of the program. From kids supporting one another to coaches working together to come up with new and fun ways to deliver class, this entire program is built on collaboration and teamwork. For Coach John, the community of First Tee coaches is one of the main reasons that he wants to come back season after season.

“FTSV has developed a really good community of people, including the coaches, volunteers and full-time staff. The people are what makes you want to keep coming back. I get to work alongside people who really care about what we do and mentoring kids, and it makes even the challenging days fun and rewarding.”

Thank you so much to Coach John for everything he has done for First Tee – Silicon Valley! We truly are lucky to have him.

If you are interested in joining our coaching staff, working as a mentor and making a difference in your community, please visit our website to learn more, or fill out this form to get started. No golf experience necessary, everyone has life experience! Hope to see you out on the course.

Published: 10-11-2024

FTSV Winter Season – Register on November 6th

Registration for our winter season opens here on Wednesday, November 6th at 11am and closes on Thursday, November 14th at 11:59pm. The 8-week winter season begins the week of December 3rd and ends February 8th with no classes December 24th  through January 4th. Register on November 6th and take part in engaging and fun life skill and golf skill classes at either Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course in San Jose, Baylands Golf Links in Palo Alto, or Gavilan College Golf Course in Gilroy.

The winter schedule is now posted here. See you at the course!

Classes are grouped by grade group, so invite a friend for a winter class together!

Financial aid is available. We make our programs accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.

Collaborating with Others

Each week our participants experience one of our 6 Life Skills and 6 Golf Cues. Our life skills cover showing respect, pursuing goals, making good choices, building a positive self-identity, overcoming challenges, and collaborating with others. Our classes consist of group classes (and range from 5 participants to 16 participants) because we believe in the power of working together, and in the positive benefits that come from building a supportive group and peer environment.

Within our Collaborating with Others life skill our participants learn to be aware of how others are feeling, to ask questions and actively listen in order understand others, to see differences as a value, and to seek win-win solutions during conflicts. All of these are important for navigating social situations, and for building effective people skills eventually needed in life and the work.

Over 97% of our surveyed class participants said they felt part of the group. We believe that is in part because of the environment our coaches help provide, but also because of the participants and how they treat each other.

We look forward to having returning and new participants team up and join us for the upcoming winter season. We encourage youth 2nd grade up to 12th grade to join our program and ask that you help spread the word. For more information click here. Click here to view our program video and learn more from our participants, parents, and coaches!

Published: 10-11-2024