Introducing the GAM Foundation President
CATHY KALAHAR PRESIDENT, GOLF ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN FOUNDATION
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,
Cathy Kalahar President Golf Association of Michigan Foundation
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,
Laura Bavaird Director
GAM Foundation
GAM Foundation
39255 Country Club Dr. Suite B40
Farmington Hills, MI 48331 GAM.org/Foundation