Team Wall

Elise, Carson, Davis, and I are excited to gear up for First Tee - Manhattan's 18th Annual Golf Marathon, where we plan to play 100 holes on the Colbert Hills Par 3 Course on Sunday, November 10th! This annual event supports a cause close to our hearts—helping First Tee - Manhattan continue its youth development programs. As the Executive Director, I’m incredibly proud of our chapter's recent achievements and the positive growth we’re seeing in our participants.

This marks the 12th year that “Team Wall” has taken part in the Golf Marathon. It’s become a memorable family tradition, a time for us to be together on the course and give back to a community organization we believe in. Carson just completed his 6th year as a First Tee participant and is already asking when he can start volunteering as an Assistant Coach with our younger participants. Davis finished his 3rd year in First Tee, developed friendships, and we have seen his confidence socially increase on and off the golf course.

Reflecting on 2024, I feel incredibly fortunate to mark 14 years with First Tee - Manhattan, including eight years as Executive Director. I am particularly proud of our Ace Program, which empowers teens to envision their futures. Through hands-on projects, Ace participants explore potential career paths, set meaningful goals, and develop key skills, giving them a head start. The program truly builds confidence, broadens perspective, and prepares them for what lies ahead. In 2024, I’m proud to share that eight of our Ace participants completed all requirements for certification—a significant achievement for each of them. To put this in perspective: In 2023, the First Tee network impacted 3.3 million youth across 150 chapters. Out of these 3.3 million participants, only 23 earned Ace Certification. This accomplishment highlights the dedication and hard work of our participants and the impact of our program.

Though registration fees are kept affordable at $0 to $99, the actual cost per participant is around $400. We bridge this gap through grants, donations, and events like the Golf Marathon. That’s why we’re asking for your support with a per-hole pledge, helping to fund this impactful youth organization. We’re personally pledging $1 per hole for a $100 donation.

To give an example, a $0.50 per-hole pledge will amount to $50 if we complete all 100 holes, and every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. All contributions are fully tax-deductible and stay within our local chapter, benefitting youth here in our community.

If you’d prefer to pledge and pay via cash or check, please reply to this email, text, or call to let us know your pledge amount. To learn more about First Tee - Manhattan and how we are making a positive impact on thousands of youth in our community, please visit www.firstteemanhattan.org.

Thank you so much for supporting First Tee - Manhattan and helping us make a positive impact on the lives of thousands of young people in the Manhattan community!