Women In Golf Foundation, Inc 2023 Annual Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS A Message from our Founder 2023 Highlights Stories of Impact Summary of Financials Our Donors Ways To Give Board of Directors Contact Information
REFLECTIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT As we reflect on 2023, I am excited to share with all of you the incredible success that we at the Women In Golf Foundation, Inc. (WIGF) are experiencing. We are delighted to share the highlights of our achievements through our Annual Impact Statement, encapsulating the impact and growth that our organization has witnessed over the past year. At the core of our mission is the promotion of women in golf, with a special emphasis on creating opportunities for females to develop leadership and life skills through competitive play, both for business and recreation. Exciting Plans for 2024: Looking ahead, the future of WIGF is incredibly positive and bright. In 2024, we are honored to host the National Women's Collegiate Championship outside of Georgia at The Golf Club at Cinco Ranch in Katy, Texas. Ten teams have already accepted the invitation to participate, showcasing the growth and influence of our initiatives. Additionally, we are thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Peggy Kirt Bell Tour to expand our junior golf competitive programs.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS OF 2023 Record-Breaking Revenue: This year marked our best revenue year ever, a testament to the growing support and recognition of our mission. Unprecedented Contributions: Our annual contribution to participating collegiate institutions reached new heights, providing substantial support for the development of women's collegiate golf teams and programs. Investing in Our Mission: For the first time, we were able to hire dedicated staff to enhance our support and training programs for female youth golfers, guiding them from early stages through college and into their chosen professions.
Gratitude and Acknowledgments: None of these achievements would be possible without the unwavering support of our sponsors, contributors, volunteers, and the dedication of our board of directors and advisors. Your commitment to our cause has been the driving force behind our success, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support. Enclosed with this letter is our detailed Annual Impact Statement, offering an overview of our accomplishments and plans for the future. We invite you to explore the document at your convenience and welcome any feedback or suggestions you may have. Thank you for being an essential part of the Women In Golf Foundation family. Together, we are making significant strides in promoting and empowering women in the world of golf.
LAJEAN GOULD FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
2023 HIGHLIGHTS
BORCELLE COMPANY
2ND ANNUAL ATLANTA GIRLS CUP This Fall we hosted the 2nd installment of the Atlanta Girls Cup which served as an onramp for golfers ready to take their skills to the course for their first competitive event. It also gave more seasoned players a chance to play a beautiful yet challenging course with girls from across the region. Young women from across the region teed it up at Browns Mills Golf Course, putting their skills to the test, braving cold temperatures and enjoying golf, camaraderie and creating memories.
AJGA STAR PROGRAM The American Junior Golf Association is the country’s leading nonprofit for young women and young men who aspire to earn college golf scholarships. This year, the AJGA has granted the WIGF with access to its Star Program, an initiative that opens the door to earning spots to compete in their premier tournaments. The winner of the Atlanta Girls Cup will also receive an exemption into the Girls Golf National Championship, hosted by LPGAUSGA Girls Golf, an incredible opportunity to compete and meet other competitive juniors from across the country.
GO FOR THE GREENS SCHOLARSHIP This year, the WIGF partnered with Go for the Greens an organization that connects women-owned businesses with corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits to encourage them to do business together and pairs young women with female mentors. National Collegiate competitor Miracle Goolsby was selected to represent WIGF earning a trip to Orlando, Florida to attend this year's event and mentorship program.
COLLEGIATE CHAMPIONSHIP IMPACT
BORCELLE COMPANY
TEAMS AWARDED $10,000 TO SUPPORT THEIR PROGRAMS “We used some of it for the Westfield Ohio tournament. We are waiting for Katy to use some of it for flight expenses. Otherwise, we would be unable to attend. We are using the rest for the Starks Invite in March.” Jean Macon - Head Men's & Women's Golf Coach, Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte
MORE THAN GOLF STORIES Michaela Hawkins, a rising junior at Johnson and Wales University of Charlotte, NC, was a first-time participant in the 28th Women's Collegiate Golf Championship. She and her teammates had never experienced an event of this kind. While attending the Professional Development workshop, Michaela had a chance to create a resume with the guidance of our sponsors. It was this experience that led Michaela to secure summer employment. "Michaela (team captain) was in my office, and she said, "Coach I finally have a real resume." That meant more to me than any win or national championship. Ms. LaJean, she also got a job at Raintree Country Club in Charlotte. All of that is because of your tournament. Your foundation changes lives." - Jean Macon, Head Men's and Women's Golf Coach, Johnson & Wales University
Women’s National Collegiate Players
2023 CHAMPIONS CROWNED Chicago State University took home the Renee Powell Cup and is set to defend again in our 2024 event. Alabama State University Junior Katie Robinson won our 2023 National Women’s Collegiate Golf Championship, earning a spot in the field of the Epson Tour's Champions for Change Invitational.
STORIES OF IMPACT MIRACLE GOOLSBY ON RECEIVING A SCHOLARSHIP TO ATTEND THE GO FOR THE GREENS CONFERENCE "It was a wonderful learning experience where I had the privilege of meeting new people and learning some amazing advice from successful entrepreneurs. One of the most impactful things that happened to me during the conference included learning about how to manage my finances and budgeting through financial advisor, Melissa Gerdes. Melissa taught us how to budget our money at the beginning of every week, what a 401K is and how it allows you to save up money until your retirement through the company you're employed to in the future."
KATIE ROBINSON KATIE ROBINSON ON EARNING A SPOT IN THE EPSON TOUR FIELD "I learned that there are a lot of different ways to play a golf course. Whether you're a long hitter, or you've got a solid short game, there are a lot of ways to be able to go low in a round. It was also great getting to know the girls and learning about them and how they grew through the game and moved through the different levels of junior to amateur to professional golf."
JAKARI HARRIS JAKARI HARRIS LOOKS BACK AT THE IMPACT OF THE WIGF NATIONAL COLLEGIATE GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP "I started my competitive golfing journey with the Women in Golf Foundation when I was 7 years old at Browns Mill in Atlanta! The WIGF not only helped teach me the game of golf but the game of life. They encouraged all of us to be honest, professional, kind, patient, and respectful. Just like in the game of golf, we get bad breaks from good shots and good breaks from bad shots, life can mirror the same concept, but we have to keep moving forward to the next shot and play it as it lies. I am extremely grateful to the WIGF for the overwhelming support of my golf and school career and to my growth as a young woman of color in this game!”
DESTANY HALL WIGF TOURNAMENT & EVENTS MANAGER REFLECTS ON HOW HER EXPERIENCE AT THE COLLEGIATE CHAMPIONSHIP INSPIRED HER TO PURSUE A CAREER IN GOLF “Reflecting on my experience at the 2018 National Women’s Collegiate Golf Championship, I now recognize its profound impact on my journey into adulthood and my new career in the golf industry. In my sophomore year, during the championship, there was a career fair and professional development segment featuring a panel of accomplished women in the golf industry. During the event, all of the college golfers in the room were able to participate in a speed interview round, presenting our resumes to each panelist. Throughout the panel discussion, they shared invaluable insights into transitioning from collegiate golf to professional careers, emphasizing crucial aspects such as online representation through social media and the significance of networking. This newfound awareness prompted immediate action on my part. That very day, I created a LinkedIn account and curated my Instagram to better align with the professional image I wanted to portray.”
2023 SUMMARY OF FINANCIALS
Program Expenses $193,665 Net Income $231,325
“Providing support & training for young female golfers early through college through entry into their chosen profession”
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS Presenting Sponsors: Arcis Golf
Platinum Sponsors: Farmers Insurance Gold Sponsors: American Junior Golf Association EDJ Associates Inc. Silver Sponsors: Atlanta Fulton County Recreation Authority LPGA Bronze Sponsors: Chevron Georgia-Pacific iMap Strategic Solutions PGA of America Titleist Troon USGA Birdie Sponsors: AT&T Niki Gantt Ray Robinson - Progressive Leasing Par Sponsors: Callaway Golf Evern & Elze Epps Ken & Karen Parks Stephanie Williams Tee Box Sponsors: Andrew Young Bill Donan Chick-Fil-A Elizabeth Ross Jim Beatty Ventures Lena Tice PepsiCo Publix Renegade Golf WiseEffects
Ways To Give Monetary Donation
Online Via Check Company Match Planned/Estate Giving Wire Transfer Donate Your Time
Become an Mentor Volunteer at an WIGF event Particpant in the Women’s National Collegiate Championship
Visit us at womeningolffoundation.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ADVISORY BOARD
LaJean Gould, Founder/President Women In Golf Foundation, Inc.
Daryl Batey PGA Professional
Marvy Moore, Secretary AT&T (retired) Managing Partner – Verticality Concepts
Lenora Bradley Volunteer Support
Stephanie Johnson, Treasurer Founder/President - Middle Connect, Inc.
Oneda Castillo LPGA Professional
Angela Moody, Event Management CEO - EDJ Associates
Lavern Chatman Fundraising Advisor
Daphne Grissom Real Estate Sales
Evern Cooper Epps CEO The Epps Group/Strategic Advisor
Brittny Bryant Lott LPGA Teaching Professional Titleist
Brenda Lankford Medical Advisor
Jeremie Peterkin CFO Orsa Technologies Lauren Shelly Vice President Human Resources AJGA Sharon Stackhouse Peachford Hospital Charlene Fitzpatrick, Emeritus Board Member President, H3C, LLC Jamie Taylor Executive Director
Rachel Mabee Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Professional Strategist Millicent Wright Tournament Director Dianne Whitman Rules Advisor, LPGA/PGA Professional
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Women In Golf Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 16834 Atlanta, GA 30321 (P) 770-335-2364 (F) 404-241-5811 (E-mail) info@womeningolffoundation.org