BUILDING GAME CHANGERS
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As we emerge from the COVID pandemic, we are thrilled to share the impact of our organization, First Tee — Triangle, in 2022. This year was significant for us, not only in terms of the strides we made as an organization but also in the financial support we garnered for our work. We are pleased to report that our team of committed volunteers and staff successfully accomplished our goal of building game changers in our community. Our key commitments which include pursuing goals, collaborating with others, and building positive self-identity were evident in our high-impact programming at golf courses, elementary schools, and in partnership with other community organizations.
In 2022, First Tee — Triangle provided programming to over 1,500 participants through various initiatives, such as girls-only opportunities, competitive play, and a robust after-school program. We hosted the Champions Challenge, which involved 73 kids from our partner Wake County Elementary Schools, at our home facility, TriGolf. Our commitment to bringing young people to the golf course was further supported by the transportation of 280 kids in our First Tee — Triangle van. Moreover, our female-only programming continued to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment, with female participation increasing to 37%.
We have made substantial progress toward the grand opening of our home facility, which will positively impact our community. Our More Than a Game Capital Campaign has raised 90% of our goal, with $800,000 left to raise. The learning center will feature a driving range, a par-3 golf course designed by world-renowned golf course architect Gil Hanse, as well as community spaces for our participants and their families. With the support of our community, we will be able to provide a safe haven for countless young people throughout the year.
On behalf of our Board of Directors, we would like to express our gratitude for your continued support and generosity towards our organization and the young people of the Triangle.
I am delighted to report that we have had a truly exceptional year at First Tee — Triangle. Thanks to your support, we were able to raise over $2 million, which allowed us to enroll over 1,500 youth in our program last year. This record-breaking fundraising year has enabled us to continue our vital work in the community, providing youth development programs that empower young people to become responsible, resilient, and respectful individuals. Our success would not have been possible without the generous support of our donors, volunteers, and partners. It is truly inspiring to see the community come together to support our mission of helping young people build character and enhance their lives through golf and life skills education.
I am also thrilled to share with you the exciting news that construction is underway on our new Center for Youth Development. This state-of-the-art facility will be a hub for our programming and will allow us to serve even more young people in the years to come. Additionally, we are transitioning to age-based programs, which will allow us to better meet the needs of our participants and provide more targeted programming. Finally, we are proud to announce that we have completed our new strategic plan, which will guide our organization over the next five years. This plan is the result of extensive research, consultation, and collaboration with our stakeholders, and we believe it will help us achieve our vision of becoming the premier youth development organization in the Triangle.
As we look ahead, we are excited about the opportunities that lie before us. With your continued support, we are confident that we can continue to Build Game Changers in our community!
As we transition to age-based programming, our curriculum has evolved to better meet the needs of our youth. While the nine Core Values have been de-emphasized, our participants are becoming Game Changers through our new key commitments.
Directors
Ted Klinck Board Chairperson
Scott Ruerup
Board Vice Chairperson
John Roos
Immediate Past Chairperson
Laurie Hughes
Executive
Fred Mills, Jr. Secretary
Brad George Treasurer
Justin Good At-Large, Facility Chairperson
Bob Hatley
At-Large, Governance Chairperson
At-Large, Campaign Chairperson
Andy Bilodeau
At-Large, Executive Committee
James Burati
No
Andrea Conner
Brian Sischo
Dewayne Washington
Hyla Wooldridge
James McCaskill
Jennings Glenn
Joe Van Saun
Junior Word
Reagan Greene
Robert Long, III
T.J. Wyman
Will Duckett
Over 70 participants received on-course mentorship, thanks to the support of Prestonwood Country Club and its members.
Our summer camps offered a complete character education and golf skills program to local youth on a weekly basis.
By utilizing First Tee Triangle’s van, we provided 280 children with the opportunity to visit golf courses and other community locations across the Triangle.
We partnered with the UNC Women’s Golf team to conduct a clinic exclusively for 34 female participants.
The Game Changers Council is a collective of young professionals in the Triangle, who are collaborating with like-minded individuals to enhance the outcomes for the First Tee kids in our community.
In support of our military, we launched PGA HOPE Raleigh. This program introduces golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.
We marked a significant milestone at First Tee Triangle with the groundbreaking ceremony of our upcoming Center for Youth Development. This center will have state-of-the-art practice facilities, a learning center, and a par-3 short course.
In collaboration with Korn Ferry Tour and REX Hospital Open teams, we organized a Q&A session and full swing clinic for our youth, featuring four Tour Pros, including a First Tee — Triangle Alumni.
The Chubb Classic facilitated the Golf to Paradise Tournament, where 10 First Tee chapters, including First Tee Triangle, competed.
First Tee — Triangle offers internships that provide valuable professional experience and contribute to the organization’s mission of youth development through golf.
With the help of corporate sponsors, First Tee HQ hosts a series of events for participants to grow as individuals and golfers. Through an extensive application process, five participants representing First Tee — Triangle were showcased through nine national events and councils.
Ava Heaton
• John Deere Drive Your Future Academy
• Game Changers Academy
• Pure Insurance Championship
Brant Dattilo
• Pure Insurance Championship
Connor Moore
• Alumni Council
Kaitlyn Rand
• First Female Ace Certified Participant
• National Championship at Notre Dame
Parisa Majumdar
• Network Summit Participant Speech
• Innovators Forum
Neil Young
• First Tee National School Teacher of the Year
“I’ve always loved the game of golf and dreamed of being the next Tiger Woods. Then life got in the way. My parents divorced and then my dad died. That was my journey into brokenness. After that, I was introduced to First Tee, and the experience became my therapist and an outlet for healing. It helped me become a better person and student. It allowed me to play at area golf courses, improve my game, and increase my confidence. I now give back by serving as a First Tee coach, completing my healing and giving me hope for my future.”
FirstKatherine has led the Drive4Success program at Pleasant Grove for the last five years, and she also serves as a lead coach for several of our traditional programs across the Triangle. Both of her daughters participate, and she has enjoyed watching their love for the game grow, as well as witnessing all of her students develop patience and focus. Katherine teaches Special Education, so she enjoys getting to know more of her school community through our program. Her participants brighten her day when they pass by in the hallway and say with a smile,
“See you at First Tee!”
The 4th Annual Drive4Success Champions Challenge took place at TriGolf, home of First Tee — Triangle. Participants who demonstrated growth and dedication to our Key Commitments throughout the school year were invited to showcase what they learned.
Hodge Road Elementary was the overall winner, but all who participated are Game Changers!
2018 - Smith Magnet
2019 - Lynn Road Elementary
2020 - COVID Cancellation
2021 - Pencils & Putters
2022 - Hodge Road Elementary
First Tee — Triangle and the Durham Nativity School partnered in a mission-aligned effort to provide a more in-depth golf and character education experience to area youth. The program began in the spring through their Physical Education classes. In the fall, students were transported in our 15-passenger van to the Duke University Golf Course. Several Duke Alumni served as mentors and teachers, tying this program together into what has become a true Community Partnership.
Neuse River Middle School is the host of one of our newest Outreach Programs. We partnered with C.I.S. Wake to introduce our program to the student body, and then continued our impact through the in-school club program. The club consisted of 14 students who met 12 times throughout the school year, both on campus and at River Ridge Golf Club. We look forward to expanding this club in the 2023-24 school year.
• C.I.S. Wake
• Durham Police Athletic League
• Girl Scouts NC Coastal Pines
• T.W.I.G. Kidz
• Young Men 4 Christ
• 5K Foundation
First Tee — Triangle Parent
My children and I have been a part of the First Tee — Triangle family for more than a decade. The life-changing impact this program has had for our family includes confidence building, tailored instruction to support a child living with autism, a safe place to explore and overcome athletic and academic challenges, provisions for equipment and concentrated coaching. There simply isn't an adequate dollar amount that can be applied to the value the staff, coaches and donors provide participants and families. My daughter, Zoe, is eleven and has been influenced by her coaches in a way that encourages her to increase her exposure through additional training. My son, Kai, is in his mid-twenties and continues to reap the benefits of the program's commitment to its alumni.
First Tee — Triangle Volunteer Coach & Parent
First Tee — Triangle has been an amazing program since we joined a few years ago! Being involved in growing the game of golf with our participants is extremely fulfilling. One of my favorite aspects of the First Tee is how the Core Values are integrated into each lesson and how transferrable those lessons are into life skills. In addition to life skills, there’s nothing better than seeing the smile on a participant’s face when they hit a proper golf shot for the first time!! My daughter has grown so much in the time she’s been doing First Tee, both on and off the course. I can’t wait for my son to start his journey next session! I’m very thankful to be a part of such an amazing organization with such great staff and volunteers!
Parent Volunteer of the Year
2017 Phil Vivongsy
2018 Ben Ceranowski
2019 Roger Dattilo
2020 Jimmy Conder
2021 Dana Frazier & Heather Rand
2022 Jeffrey Stelmach
Junior Volunteer of the Year
2017 Laurenz Gonzales
2018 Jiya Patel
2019 Tyla McAffity
2020 Jiya Patel
2021 Aubrey Littrell
2022 Tyler Spriggs
2017 Peter Pront & Sam Hodges
2018 Bill Alfano & John McDonald
2019 Dan Sawyer & Hyla Wooldridge
2020 Kim Shope & Darrel Johnson
2021 Elyssa Nastalski & John Bok
2022 Ebony Dill, Bob Nowoc & Weezie Duckett
2017 Cleve Folger
2018 A. Hobgood, III
2019 Bob Scott & Paul Pfeuffer
2020 Anthony Laffoley & Steve Ogburn
2021 Salvatore “Sam” DiFranco
2022 Bob Hatley
Ace Participant (14+)
Throughout my time with First Tee — Triangle, I have been given countless opportunities to build upon not only my golf game, but various life skills as well. From Ace classes at Prestonwood, all the way to participating in the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach, First Tee has provided me with every tool imaginable for success. I am truly grateful for all of the coaches, staff, and numerous others who make First Tee such an incredible organization.
Ace Participant (14+)
First Tee — Triangle is an exceptional organization that has helped shape me into the confident and resilient person I am today. I joined the program when I was six, and I’ve learned so much about golf, myself, and how to navigate the world. I’ve met so many hardworking and compassionate role models, and I am so grateful for the life-changing opportunities First Tee has provided me. During the past couple of years, I’ve become a more active volunteer. I love teaching kids many of the same lessons that I learned when I was their age. None of these opportunities would be possible without the help of the First Tee.
Ace Participant (14+)
First Tee — Triangle has impacted my life in so many ways. I have met amazing coaches and role models who want to help me accomplish great things on and off the golf course. In addition to my parents, they encourage me to focus on my education and think about a future that includes a college degree. I appreciate all that they have done for me. All of the new friends I have made through First Tee have given me the chance to see life from a different perspective, and for that I am forever grateful. Thank you First Tee!
Our annual golf tournament at Old Chatham Golf Club is the staple of our spring corporate philanthropy. Teams enjoy an 18-hole round and are taught a lesson by First Tee — Triangle participants. Thanks to the generosity of Old Chatham Golf Club and their membership, our annual tournament is the only non-club golf event at Old Chatham each year, making this a premiere and exclusive event for our organization.
Our annual Pebble Beach raffle is always a big hit and a great way to support our chapter. The winner receives a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Pebble Beach for four including golf at Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, and The Links at Spanish Bay.
Our Kid-Am is similar to a Pro-Am, but unlike your traditional golf tournament, this event partners you with one of First Tee — Triangle’s standout participants! Playing with a participant not only helps your team’s score, but it allows you to see your support at work and learn more about how our organization is making a difference in the Triangle.
Our fall gala at The Angus Barn is a night filled with celebration, recognizing our Champions Circle honorees and community members who have gone above and beyond for our chapter, while stories are shared from our First Tee — Triangle participants.
Golf Facility Amenities:
• Par-3 golf course designed by Gil Hanse
• 275+ yard driving range with over 30 hitting stations equipped with range technology
• 8,000 sq. ft. practice green
• Short game practice area
Learning Center Amenities:
• 1,000 sq. ft. multipurpose room
• Two indoor/outdoor hitting bays
• Outdoor pavilion
• Playground
• Conference room
• Staff offices
Key Project Outcomes:
• Increase participant enrollment from 1,600 students to 2,200 high-impact students
• Improve annual retention from 36% to 50%
• Develop and implement a method for tracking student academic and behavioral improvement
• Provide program scholarships to 100% of families who need them
• Provide year-round access to program participants
2022 By the Numbers
650 Program Participants
$481,487 Gross Revenue
40,414 Patrons Served
24% Corporate Giving
$2,096,042
23% Operations
16% Grants
29% Individual Giving
5% Programs
3% Other