GAM Foundation Annual Report 2024

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Introducing the GAM Foundation President

Dear Donors, Partners, and Friends,

As I reflect on the past year, I am filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of individuals like you. On behalf of the GAM Foundation Board of Directors, thank you for your commitment to our mission. Your generosity has been the driving force behind our remarkable achievements as we continue to experience the profound impact of collaboration within Michigan’s vibrant golf community.

One of our most inspiring successes in 2024 was the continued growth of Youth on Course Michigan. With your support, we reached an incredible milestone, providing over $1 million in subsidized $5 rounds to young golfers across the state. Parents and participants have shared their heartfelt appreciation for this opportunity, made possible through the generosity of golf course owners and donors like you. Looking ahead, the National Golf Foundation’s recent report of 6 million youth across the United States expressing an interest in taking up golf affirms our confidence in the program’s continued growth and impact.

Your contributions also play a vital role in supporting families facing financial challenges. Beyond Youth on Course, the GAM Foundation provides grants to help young golfers cover travel costs and entry fees for GAM Junior Tournaments. This past year, we proudly expanded our reach, offering more playing opportunities for adaptive golfers and veterans through Michigan PGA HOPE. Additionally, in 2024, we awarded scholarships to two outstanding students in the PGA Golf Management Program at Ferris State University. These scholarships are an investment in the future of the golf industry, fostering the next generation of leaders and professionals.

Together, we are inspiring young golfers, empowering future professionals, and strengthening the fabric of our golf community. Thank you for trusting in our mission and joining us on this journey.

With heartfelt gratitude,

WHO IS THE GAM FOUNDATION?

The GAM Foundation is a not-forprofit 501(c)3 partner of the Golf Association of Michigan. The GAM Foundation supports access to affordable golf for youth — an investment in the future of the game. Our goal and primary focus is to make golf more affordable and accessible at a state and local level.

GAM FOUNDATION BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Officers

President – Cathy Kalahar

Vice President – Francine Pegues

Treasurer – Tom Roehl

Secretary – Chris Angott

Governors

Ashley Dewling

John Landis

Judy Lazzaro

Tim Moore

Sara Wold

Honorary Governors

Steve Braun

Mark Bultema

David Graham

President Emeritus

John Schulte

Programs

JUNIOR GOLF

Youth on Course Michigan provides boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 18 access to affordable golf courses for $5 or less. The GAM Foundation fully supports Youth on Course Michigan through subsidies paid to participating golf courses for each round played, removing financial barriers and opening opportunities to all.

GRANTS

$1M Paid to Public Courses Supporting Youth on Course Since 2017

11,500+ Members in 2024

50,000+ Rounds of Golf Played in 2024

100+ Participating Courses in Michigan

16% Members are Girls

#1 Most Played YOC Course in Michigan: Currie Municipal Golf Course, Midland

The GAM Foundation proudly supports leaders and mentors of the next generation of golfers. We champion programs like the Michigan PGA Golf In Schools, honor PGA Player Development Award winners, and support PGA HOPE.

The foundation also provides grants to competitive players in GAM junior tournaments, assisting families facing financial challenges in participating in GAM and USGA® events. Since 2022, we have awarded over $11,800 to Michigan junior golfers and their families.

SCHOLARSHIPS

In 2023, the GAM Foundation partnered with the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan to create a scholarship endowment for selected Ferris State University's PGA Golf Management Program students. This initiative supports future golf professionals and fosters connections with Youth on Course Michigan facilities, promoting growth within the golf community.

2024 Donors

Diamond ($5,000+ Annually)

Joe Balaskovitz

Mark Bultema

The William Chinnick Charitable Foundation Inc.

Eagles For Children

Robert Frasier

Bill & Lori Hyde

John Lowery

Tim Moore

Edward F. Redies Foundation

John Schulte

Honorable Steven Servaas

Marana Webber Tost Charitable Fund

Marie Christine Walker

*In Memory of Jerry A. Walker

Scott Watkins Memorial Golf Foundation

Platinum ($2,500$4,999 Annually)

Brian & Lissa Ames

Gold ($1,000-$2,499 Annually)

Charles Behler

Belvedere Golf Club

Cynthia Benedict

Dr. Michael & Porkie DePerro

Vera & Joseph Dresner Foundation

David Graham

Peter & Marilyn Green

Michael Holcomb

Cathy Kalahar & David Evrard Charitable Fund

Judy Lazzaro

Randy Lewis

William Quinn

Allen Shoup

Brent Wehner

Darrell Zavitz

Silver ($500-$999 Annually)

Chris Angott

John Barbour

Gail Bavaird

Michael Brady

Steve Braun

Richard Essenmacher

Indian Hills Golf Club

Cathy Kalahar

Arthur Kleinpell

Jim Kohl

Lancaster Company

Bill Lindhout

Ron & Anne McCants

Lisa McManaman

Patricia E. Meyers

Louis Montgomery

David & Diana Moore

Thomas Morrow

James Munder

Cindy Obermeyer

Clay Robinson

Carol Tonkin Trott Foundation

Betty Woods

Bronze ($250-$499 Annually)

Barry Babbitt

Mark Banbury

Jen Bessen

Mark Bond

Inez Bridges

John Carter

Michael Chase

Thomas Cockels

Joan DeBlasio

Kimberly Dinh

Jack Galsterer

Mindy Hajjar

William Hartwig

Matthew Henry

Tom Hicks

Ronald A. Hillary

J. Lee Juett

Mark Kaminski

Kaled Khaznehkatbi

Daniel Kunert

Doug LaBelle II

Tom Matteson

Mark McAlpine

Kevin McMahon

Dan & Kathleen Merchak

*In Memory of Angela Cook

Paul Myers

Don O’Bryan

Kathy Olmsted

Francine Pegues

Drew Pietila

Dan Rustmann

Olivia Stoll

John Wagner

Sara Wold

Chris Zeigler

A Heartfelt Thank You!

The Michigan golf community is passionate and generous. In 2024, you helped pass on the joy and positive experiences of the game to the next generation. This generosity has driven the GAM Foundation’s remarkable progress in making golf more affordable and accessible. Together, we’ve impacted the lives of more than 11,500 junior golfers across Michigan, delivering opportunities that will create lifelong golfers.

Youth on Course Michigan achieved record-breaking milestones in 2024, with more members and rounds played than ever before. Additionally, since 2017, the GAM Foundation has proudly distributed over $1 million in subsidies to our valued partner courses. These achievements are a testament to the collective support of our donors, partners, and advocates like you. Your belief in our mission inspires everything we do.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, our team at the GAM Foundation is energized and ready to aim even higher. We are committed to increasing Youth on Course Michigan membership and expanding the network of participating courses. With your continued partnership, we are confident that we can create an even more significant impact in the years to come.

Thank you for being an essential part of our success. Together, we’re making a meaningful impact on the game and young people who are passionate about playing it.

With heartfelt gratitude,

GAM Foundation

GAM Foundation

39255 Country Club Dr. Suite B40

Farmington Hills, MI 48331 GAM.org/Foundation

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