FISCAL YEAR 2019
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE CHARITABLE ARM OF THE
CONTENTS 3-4
From Our Leadership
5-6
Founding Pillars
7-8
Board & Staff
9-14
Military
15-18
Youth
19-24
Diversity/Incluion
25-28
How To Get Involved
29-38
Become a Partner
MISSION
“Impacting Lives Through the Game of Golf�
PGA REACH WNY was created with the goal of providing support to various organizations within the boundaries of the Western New York PGA Section. Through the game of golf, the Foundation will work to fund programs supporting its mission including the Western New York Section PGA Junior Golf initiatives and various other unprivileged youth golf programs. The Foundation will conduct and/or support avariety of initiatives that serve the founding pillas: Youth, Military, and Diversity in Golf.
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FROM OUR LEADERSHIP
STEVE BARTKOWSKI PGA REACH WNY Foundation Executive
MICHAEL O’CONNOR, PGA
PGA REACH WNY Foundation President
Since the inception of the PGA Reach WNY Foundation in 2010, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact it has had on our Communities through a variety of initiatives! The increased involvement from our PGA Professionals, Volunteers and Partners has enabled our Foundation to grow and touch the lives of many through the game of golf. Each year we see an increase in both initiatives and impact. One such initiative of the Foundation, which began in 2012, has been the JC Martin Project. JC Martin is a City owned 9 Hole Golf course in the heart of Erie, Pennsylvania. The Foundation spearheaded the restoration project, which has seen over $500,000 raised to enhance all aspects of the facility. Through coordination with the City, Volunteers and Donors a significant impact has been made on the facility and ultimately Erie’s youth. Enhancements such as; course drainage, a new maintenance building, bridges on the course, short and long game practice facilities, and green reconstruction. We are still exploring more phases of the project with construction of nine forward tees, which will enhance the experience of Juniors, Seniors and Beginners. The course has also recently been gifted a Solo Rider Cart making golf more accessible to those individuals who have disabilities that limit their walking. Continued growth of the PGA Reach WNY Foundation will ensure our communities are positively impacted and benefit from our efforts! If you are interested in volunteering, partnering or donating please contact Steve Bartkowski at sbartkowski@ pgahq.com or myself at mjokah@aol.com.
ANNUAL REPORT 3
It is truly an honor to serve as the Executive Director of the PGA REACH WNY Foundation. I am inspired every day by the work that our local WNYPGA Professionals continue to do in the community. The WNYPGA Foundation Inc. was founded in 2010 by local PGA Professionals in the Western New York PGA Section with the goal of positivly impacting lives through the game of golf. The Foundation continued under that name until rcently when the charitable arm re-branded, re-structured. and re-focused their strategic plan. Thus was born—PGA REACH WNY. The founding pillars of the newly branded foundation include Military, youth and diversity/inclusion. This more focused approach we feel will ultimately make a greater impact. Since its inception in 2010, this charitable arm of the WNYPGA has been providing access and opportunities across the Section to individuals through the game of golf. And this past year we believe has been the most impactful year yet! PGA Junior League touched the lives of over 550 kids, teaching them all the life lessons that golf provides in a fun, safe, team environment. PGA HOPE continues to grow and serve over 100 of our Veterans helping them to assimilate back into society. In 2019, we even named a National PGA HOPE Ambassador, Nick Martone, USMC. In its third year of inception, the Charity Hockey Classic has now raised over $25,000 for the Special Olympics Golf Program. The JC Martin Project continues to benefit juniors and families in the Erie, PA community, providing them with a safe environment to learn this great game. Through the PGA REACH Pro-Am at Oak Hill CC, our Foundation was able to give three Solo Rider Carts to our PGA HOPE Chapters which will make a huge impact in 2020. To our partners, donors, volunteers, facilities and PGA Professionals that continue to support our mission, thank you! For those interested in getting involved, please take a look at some of the opportunities in this report or feel free to reach out to me at (716) 313-2943 or sbartkowski@pgahq.com. 4
YOUTH The goal of the PGA Junior League, our flagship youth program, is to help make golf more accessible to all interested youth. Local WNYPGA Professionals organize and lead programs that enable children to experience the fun and teamwork of golf. Other programs include Smiling “Fore” Life, which brings adapted golf skills games to children’s hospitals, and the JC Martin Project, offering instruction and course access to youth in Erie, PA.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION Golf is a welcoming sport for people of all backgrounds. PGA REACH WNY is dedicated to making golf more accessible to individuals of diverse backgrounds and abilities. In addition to introducing new individuals and groups to the game, local WNYPGA professionals participate in various fundraising activities that help expand the number of athletes participating in the Special Olympics Western Region Golf Program. In 2019, PGA REACH WNY hired its first PGA Works fellow, Jacob Coles.
FOUNDING PILLARS M I L I TA R Y PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH WNY that introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional wellbeing. Led by local WNYPGA Professionals, it’s a proven therapeutic activity that has helped hundreds of Veterans across Western New York assimilate back into their communities. These programs are delivered throughout our region at no cost to the Veterans.
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B OA R D O F T R U S T E E S
Mike D’Agostino, PGASecretary
Michael O’Connor, PGAPresident
Penfield Country Club
Kahkwa Club
Tim Fries, PGAVicePresident
Glen Oak Golf Course
Jaimie Miller- Buffalo Independent Director
Andy Conner- Erie Independent Director
Morgan Stanley
Conner Riley Friedman & Weichler
Jeff Mietus, PGATreasurer
Ralph Fornuto- Rochester Independent Director
Sales Representative Custom Turf
Fortuno Ventures LLC
W N Y P G A S TA F F
Steve Bartkowski Executive Director
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Ric Alberico, PGA Tourament Director
Bob Ashley, PGA Junior Golf/ Player Development Director
Clementina Rodriguez Player Development Coordinator
Jacob Coles PGA Works Fellow
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M I L I TA R Y PGA HOPE OVERVIEW
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH WNY , the charitable foundation of the Western New York Section, PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. The program introduces the game of golf through a developmental 6-8 week curriculum, taught by WNYPGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. All programs are funded by PGA REACH and supplemented by PGA REACH WNY, so the cost of programming is free to all Veterans. PGA HOPE has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which enables Recreational Therapists to refer Veterans to the PGA HOPE program as a form of therapy. Through a robust program strategy, PGA HOPE aspires to create a physically and emotionally healthier Veteran community by shaping lives, changing lives, and possibly saving lives through the game of golf. It is a fact that suicide is a major issue among military Veterans, with recent statistical studies showing that 22 Veterans a day commit suicide. PGA HOPE WNY is working to change this statistic. Led by local WNYPGA Professionals, PGA REACH WNY impacted the lives of over 100 Veterans cross Buffalo, Rochester and Erie, PA.
ANONYMOUS LETTER FROM A PGA HOPE VETERAN “I just wanted to tell you how very much I appreciate the PGA golf instructions because I have seen two Veterans who I care about very much, come alive this summer because of the effort and dedication you have placed in this project. One Veteran from my caregiving group has literally come alive. He is smiling, laughing, talking about his game and the fellas he has met who play with him instead of looking hopeless. He is excited each week to have this venue to concentrate on something other than the stressors in his life. My husband practices daily since he has been involved. The one who would never go outside to do any physical activity, now has a net set up in the backyard where he practices. He is actually putting his BMW convertible up for sale because his golf clubs won’t fit in the car!! Because of golf, he and his son now have a common interest and they schedule times together to go to the driving range. His healthhas definitely improved both physically and emotionally as a result of participating. The PGA masters probably don’t realize the impact of their generosity of time and attention, so please let them know that at least two men I know are experiencing a summer of joy because they are playing like kids again. If it is at all possible, please consider continuing this wonderful activity through the summer. You scored big on this one!! ANNUAL REPORT 9
Sincerely and with great appreciation for all you do
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2 0 1 9 S E C R E TA R Y ’ S C U P
The 4th Annual Secretary’s Cup was held on Monday, May 13th, 2019 in conjunction with the 101st PGA Championship at Bethpage. For the first time, the Western New York Section was invited to compete in the field against 11 other PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Chapters across the country.
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The WNY team consisted of Penfield CC Head Professional Mike D’Agostino and four PGA HOPE WNY Veteran Graduates Edy Andino, Nick Martone, Scott Smalter and Guy Ward. Format of the event was a 9-hole scramble contested on a mixture of the Red and Blue courses at Bethpage State Park. Team WNY posted a 1-under par, 35, only 4 shots off the leaders from Charleston, NY who fired a 5 - under par. Edy Andino served in the Army for four two years in the Vietnam War and ended his term as a Private. Nick Martone served for four years in the United States Marine Corps ending as a Lance Corporal. Scott Smalter served in the United States Navy for two years ending as Lieutenant Junior Grade. Guy Ward served four years in the United States Navy as E-4. All four gentlemen have graduated from their respective PGA HOPE Chapters. More About PGA Secretary’s Cup The PGA Secretary’s Cup, named in honor of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, began following the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) partnership between the National Veteran’s Affairs office and the PGA of America. The partnership has enabled PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) programming to operate at no cost to Veterans who are referred to the program. Currently, 37 of 41 PGA Sections offer a combined 90 programs nationwide.
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PG GA A H HO OP PE E A AM MB BA AS SS SA AD DO OR R P
“We congratulate each of these 20 heroes on their successful completion of PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week,” said PGA REACH Senior Director Ryan Cannon. “Their commitment to protecting our freedoms and helping others provides inspiration to us all.” “The work that our PGA Professionals continue to do in the military space is truly inspiring and life changing. On behalf of the PGA REACH WNY Board of Trustees, we are so proud that Nick will be representing our local PGA HOPE Chapters as an Ambassador moving forward,” said PGA REACH WNY Executive Director Steven Bartkowski.
VETERAN SECTION BRANCH PGA REACH WNY—the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the Western New York Section, PGA was proud to announce in 2019 that local PGA HOPE Graduate Nick Martone became one of 20 military Veterans named PGA HOPE Ambassadors in celebration of Veterans Day and the 3rd Annual PGA National Day of HOPE. Mr. Martone served a four year tour in Afghanistan in the US Marine Core. He is a graduate of the local PGA HOPE Buffalo Chapter hosted at Glen Oak GC, East Amherst, NY led by PGA Instructors Tim Fries, Jeff Mietus, Rob Krajewski, Jerry Coleman, John Daddario and Anthony Schiro. PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is a six-week program that helps Veterans assimilate back into their communities through the social interaction the game of golf provides, and is offered at no cost to Veterans. Led by our local PGA Professionals, there are currently three chapters (Buffalo, Rochester and Erie), helping approximately 80-100 Veterans annually. The 20 Veterans were named National PGA HOPE Ambassadors following the completion of a specialized training program during the Inaugural PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week, which was conducted in October, at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland. The four-day program included advanced golf instruction and wellness training for Nick and the 19 others. Each participating Veteran received a specially designed golf and wellness tool kit that included golf training tips, exercises and other recommendations for healthy living. Each new PGA HOPE Ambassador will now represent their respective PGA of America Section and support their fellow Veterans in communities across the country during PGA HOPE clinics and training programs. ANNUAL REPORT 13
Josh Swindle
Carolinas
U.S. Army
Eric Schuster
Central NY
U.S. Army
Bill Wiegand
Gateway
U.S. Air Force
William Caywood
Indiana
U.S. Army
Janus Persaud
Metropolitan
U.S. Marines
Matt Underwood
Middle Atlantic
U.S. Navy
Daniel Brazzell
Midwest
U.S. Marines
David Karl
Nebraska
U.S.Air Force
Chris Solivan
New Jersey
U.S. Marines
Douglas Jackson
North Florida
U.S. Marines
Will Stockholm
N. California
U.S. Marines
Randy Shack
Northern Texas
U.S. Army
Sean Sanders
Philadelphia
U.S. Army
Mary Anderson-Kokell
South Florida
U.S. Army
Burton Jones
Southern Ohio
U.S. Air Force
Casey Dorrell
Southwest
U.S. Army
Clark Harrison
Tennessee
U.S. Army
Dennis McClure
Tri-State
U.S. Army
Nick Martone
Western NY
U.S. Marines
Joseph Robinson
Colorado
U.S. Army
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P G A R E AC H W N Y S P O N S O R S F I R ST T E E J U N I O R L E AG U E Fo r 2 n d Y E A R
YO U T H P G A J R L E AG U E OV E RV I E W PGA Junior League is the flagship youth pillar program of PGA REACH WNY, with the goal of making the program accessible to all interested kids in the United States and around the world. With more than 60,000 boys and girls representing 5,200 teams throughout the United States, participation in Junior League continues to increase each season. Through PGA Jr. League, girls and boys ages 13 and under learn and enjoy the game with instruction and direction from PGA and LPGA Professionals. Players wear numbered jerseys and compete on teams with their friends in a popular two-person scramble format that reinforces the team concept and creates a nurturing environment for learning the game. In Western New York, the 2019 season saw 550 athletes under the age of 13 competing on 38 teams. Participation was up 21% from the 2018 season. The Section also hosted the first ever Section Junior League Championship at Glen Oak Golf Course for 8 of the top teams (80 juniors).
ANNUAL REPORT 15
In 2019, PGA REACH WNY sponsored a PGA Junior League team boys and girls from the First Tee of WNY who may have not had an opportunity to compete in this format due to financial reasons. The team The Seneca Hickory Sticks, led by PGA Professional Joe Bock, had 8 participants, while the Glen Oak team, led by PGA Professional Rob Krajewski, had 30 participants. Our PGA REACH Foundation Board of Trustees approved this scholarship so that these young boys and girls were able to compete in the Junior League competition without worrying about any financial barriers. The First Tee of WNY is a Not For Profit that has a mission to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values an promote healthy choices through the game of golf.
JC MARTIN PROJECT The WNYPGA Foundation and Head PGA Professional Michael O’Connor worked with the Erie Community Foundation and the City of Erie to renovate the J.C. Martin Family Golf Center. In just the second year of existence, the WNYPGA Foundation was proud and honored to take part in a project such as this that impacts the lives of golfers throughout an entire community. The total project to date has put in over $500,000 and is host to many initiatives such as Drive, Chip & Putt and PGA Junior League Golf which allow kids affordable access to the game of golf in Erie, PA. “J.C. Martin is an important part of the Erie Community. It has provided a place for young people to not only learn the game of golf, but to have a a constructive summer pastime and develop friendships for life” -Joseph Sinnot, City of Erie Mayor “The golf course looks absolutely tremendous,” Mike Martin said. “It’s been a very playable golf course. I remember coming up here as a kid and teeing off on rubber mats. It really is a tremendous complex for the community today. “
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SMILING “FORE” LIFE
Led by PGA Professional, Mike D’Agostino, the PGA REACH Foundation
executed for a second year the Smiling FORE Life program. The Western New York Section is just the second in the country to conduct this program in which we anticipate making a huge significance to numerous children for years to come.
During the Fall of 2019, PGA Professionals in the Buffalo and Rochester area
participated in the 6-week program which were held at Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo and at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester.
The Rochester and Buffalo Clinic included over 40 participants who enjoyed
getting out of their hospital bed, walk down the hall, and enter a fun environment forgetting about the stresses of illness. PGA Professionals become inspired by the resilience of these kids and become better Professionals because of it.
We are excited to continue to program and extend it to the Erie, PA area in the
2020 season!
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DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
ANNUAL REPORT 19
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION OV E RV I E W PGA Works Fellowship is one of the flagship programs of PGA REACH WNY. This fellowship aspires to be the most valuable entry-level-employment opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to garner experience in all facets of the golf industry. The golf industry’s workforce, including PGA Membership, is demographically homogenous. The boards, senior leadership and full-time staff are 95%, 97% and 86% Caucasian (respectively). PGA Works Fellowship aspires to be the most valuable employment opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to garner experience in all facets of the golf industry. In 2019, PGA REACH WNY hired a PGA Works Fellow, Jacob Coles, giving golf industry experience to an individual that had never been introduced to the game of golf before. The PGA WORKS Fellowship is a twelve-month paid position funded by PGA REACH. The goal is to have a PGA Membership and golf industry that look like a modern-day America. Mr. Coles will be joining PGA REACH WNY in a Foundation Coordinator role in 2020 to continue his great work for the local community.
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CHARITY HOCKEY CLASSIC $9,200 RAISED TO BENEFIT SPECIAL OLYMPICS GOLF
On November 22nd, the PGA REACH WNY Foundation held its 3rd Annual Charity Hockey Classic at the LECOM Harbor Center in Buffalo, NY. The event raised over $9,200 for the Special Olympics of New York (SONY) to help support the Special Olympics golf athletes in Western New York. The Charity Hockey Classic was played by the PGA REACH WNY Team, consisting of WNYPGA Professionals, and the Kiefer Team, consisting of various amateur hockey players led by Matt Kiefer, one of the directors of the event. It was a close game throughout until the end when Team Kiefer was able to pull away and claim the Classic Victory 7-3. This is the first year that Team Kiefer has won the Charity Hockey Classic, with both previous games being won by the PGA REACH WNY Team. This is the 3rd year that the Charity Hockey Classic has been played and its first year being held at the LECOM Harbor Center. In the two previous years, the event has raised over $15,000 for the Special Olympics of New York golf programs. Every year the fundraiser has seen an increase in funds raised, with $7,300 in 2017, $7,800 in 2018 and with an event high, $9,264 this year. The Charity Hockey Classic was started in 2017 to help support the SONY golf programs in the Western New York area. Over the past two years, over 29 new athletes have been able to participate in SONY golf programs due to the funds raised at the Charity Hockey Classic. Over the next few years, the WNYPGA is looking to raise money to create a new indoor facility for various PGA REACH WNY Foundation programs, including helping to establish a new home for our local Special Olympics athletes. This event is so successful because of the continuing support it receives from the WNYPGA community and its volunteers. So, we would like to say thank you to all of our volunteers from the night’s event and to our WNYPGA Professionals who raised funds through ticket sales and volunteered to play in this year’s Charity Hockey Classic. With the support of the WNYPGA, the Charity Hockey Classic looks to continue and increase its impact on SONY and its athletes for years to come. ANNUAL REPORT 21
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2019 SUPPORTING EVENTS
T H E WAY O F T H E WA R R I O R MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT The Way of the Warrior tournament is a member/guest event at The Fox Valley Club that incubuses their veterans from the club and deceased members. FVC invites the Niagara Falls air force base to do a small
DUSTER CHALLENGE
ceremony and then they hold a 18 hole red ball scramble tournament. The driveway
Conducted by the Tee2Green Radio Show
is lined with American Flags including
hosts raised $2,700 for PGA REACH WNY.
the flags on the golf course. For the first
The 18-hole family friendly putting
time, part of proceeds this year went to the
competition was held at The Fox Valley
WNYPGA Reach Foundation $600, and now
Club, with Owen Rooney being crowned,
this will now become an annual supported
“Buffalo’s Best Putter.”
event.
TEE IT UP FOR THE TROOPS: WA N A K A H Held their 3rd annual event at Wanakah
We’re held at both The Kahkwa
Country Club on September 9th, 2019. The
Club in Erie, PA and Glen Oak GC
golf event brings local businesses together in
in Buffalo, NY. PGA Professionals,
a golf event to recognize our Military Veterans and Active Duty members. As a beneficiary, the PGA REACH WNY Foundation received $9,000 to help support the local PGA HOPE Chapters ANNUAL REPORT 23
PGA HOPE 100-HOLE M A R AT H O N S
amatuer golfers and veterans played 100 holes of golf in one day and we’re able to raise over $10,000 for our PGA HOPE Chapters. 24
H OW TO GET I N V O LV E D
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GROWTH OF THE GAME GRANT PROGRAM Below you can find the impact the program had In 2019, the Foundations of the Western NY PGA, NY State Golf Association, and Rochester District Golf Association announced a new grant program directly aimed at helping PGA Professionals and facilities grow the game of golf. Under the guidance of PGA REACH WNY, the collaborative initiative is anticipated to benefit the communities across Buffalo, Rochester, and Northwestern Pennsylvania. Based around the thought of positively impacting lives through the game of golf, the organizations provided grants to programs, led by PGA Professionals, that served youth, individuals with disabilities, and military or diverse demographics. Over $13,000 in grants were awarded across the region that initiated new programs or enhanced and strengthened existing ones.
TOTAL INITIAL IMPACT: 399—499 CHILDREN throughout Rochester, Buffalo and Northwest Pennsylvania. PARTICIPATION IN EACH PROGRAM:
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• CLUBS FOR KIDS: 80 CHILDREN • CORRY YMCA: 50-100 CHILDREN • GENERAL MCLANE GOLF BOOSTERS: 9 CHILDREN • GLEN OAK TEE IT FORWARD: 50 CHILDREN • LAKESIDE GOLF PROGRAMS: 50-100 CHILDREN • LPGA USGA GIRLS GOLF OF GREATER ROCHESTER: 80 CHILDREN • OPERATION 36: 20 CHILDREN • SOUTHERN MEADOWS GROWTH OF THE GAME INITIATIVES: 60 CHILDREN
We defined the initial impact as the number of individuals we impacted on the day of and during the program/ clinic hours. After looking at the 2019 participation, we have had a large impact on the youth demographic. We have increased each of these programs from 2018 by roughly 80—100 children. Looking at it objectively this is a great first step, increasing our program participation by 20%. However, this does not begin to tell the story of the real impact this grant has made For programs like Clubs For Kids, the Corry YMCA, Lakeside Golf Programs and Southern Meadows, they provided programs for boys and girls who would not have access to golf without these opportunities. From first hand information from our PGA Professionals to the testimonials we received from parents and the communities impacted, these programs not only helped grow the game, but they supplied the game to children who couldn’t access it before and to children who are looking for an outlet in their communities. Outlets to meet new friends, to learn a game they are interested in and to learn about potential opportunities for their futures. 28
BECOME A PA R T N E R WE’RE LOOKING FOR PARTNERS TO HELP POSITIVELY IMPACT THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE GAME OF GOLF
FOUNDING PA R T N E R S
P L AT I N U M PA R T N E R S
$ 1 0,0 0 0
$ 5 ,0 0 0
• Brand Recognition inside AND on-course at the PGA REACH WNY Homesite at Glen Oak Golf Course (averages 35,000 rounds per year) • 10 Hours of lessons, fittings, swing analysis with PGA Professionals • Listing on PGA REACH WNY Foundation Website and Newsletter
• Brand Recognition inside the PGA REACH WNY Homesite at Glen Oak Golf Course • 4 Hours of lessons, fittings, swing analysis with PGA Professionals • Listing on PGA REACH WNY Foundation Website and Newsletter
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E AG L E PA R T N E R S
BIRDIE PA R T N E R S
$2,500
$500
• Brand Recognition inside the PGA REACH WNY Homesite at Glen Oak Golf Course • 2 Hours of lessons, fittings, swing analysis with PGA Professionals • Listing on PGA REACH WNY Foundation Website and Newsletter
• Brand Recognition inside the PGA REACH WNY Homesite at Glen Oak Golf Course • Listing on PGA REACH WNY Foundation Website and Newsletter 30
FRIENDS OF THE F O U N D AT I O N EQUIPMENT RENTAL PROGRAM
FRIENDS OF THE FOUNDATION EQUIPMENT RENTAL PROGRAM In our continuing effort to grow the game and provide resources to our members and facilities, the Western New York Section is proud to offer the Friends of Foundation Equipment Rental Program. These items can be used at your facility and are great additions to events and programs such as junior camps, member guest tournaments, family golf days, etc. The donations collected through the rental program benefits the WNYPGA Foundation.
With a $25o donation, you can have acces to ANY of the above items for the full year. For an additonal $500 donation, you can have access to any of our 3 PGA HOPE golf carts. To reserve a rental or for more information, please contact Clementina Rodriguez at crodriguez@pgahq.com Equipment rented on first come-first served basis. PGA REACH WNY was created with a goal of providing support to various organizations within the boundaries of the Western New York PGA Section. Through the game of golf, the Foundation will work to fund programs supporting its mission, including the Western New York Section PGA Junior Golf initiatives and various other underprivileged youth golf programs. The Foundation will conduct and/or support a variety of initiatives that serve the founding pillars: youth, military, and diversity in golf.
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N AT I O N A L C A R R E N TA L P G A R E AC H P R O -A M Raises over $90,000 for PGA REACH and PGA REACH WNY Initiatives The 2019 National Car Rental PGA REACH Pro-Am was immensely successful, raising over $90,000 for the National and Western New York Sections of PGA REACH. The event had over 100 participants compete in the Pro-Am in May, with teams consisting of both Western New York PGA Golf Professionals and amateurs across the region. The event took place on Monday, May 27th 2019, at Oak Hill Country Club East Course. A majority of the funds were used to gift a Solo Rider to each PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) chapters. Solo Rider carts allow for veterans who are unable to stand or walk to still be able to play the game of golf. The day kicked off with a morning registration at 8:30 am, where the Western New York Executive Director, Steve Bartkowski, greeted all of the participants. Bartkowski also gave an overview of the event and what the proceeds would be going towards, explaining that the proceeds from the day’s event would be used to help fund activities for both the National and Western New York Sections of PGA Reach. These funds will be used to help support the three branches of the PGA’s charitable arm, PGA Jr., PGA HOPE, and PGA Works. After the conclusion of the meeting, teams proceeded to the 18th green, where teams were able to take pictures with the Alfred S. Bourne trophy presented at the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, just the day before.
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At the conclusion of the tournament, the participants met in the clubhouse of Oak Hill Country Club for an award ceremony and closing reception. The winners of the events and activities were presented by Steve Bartkowski. The winners of the Net Team section were Brian Jacobs, Jerry Czebiniak, Mark Mass and Fred Mason. Winners for the Gross Team section were Chris Zumpano, Craig Heier, Tom Green Jr, and Mike DeRusso. The 2019 National Car Rental PGA REACH Pro-Am was a huge success, and we look forward to running more events and providing new opportunities through PGA Reach in the future.
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UPCOMING I N I T I AT I V E S
SPONSORS AND PA R T N E R S
INDOOR/OUTDOOR LEARNING CENTER Inclusive to the Three Founding Pillars to be able to provide a space in the summer and winter to run programming for our youth, military and diverse populations.
PGA WORK FELLOW Annual funding for a PGA Works Fellow to provide an opportunity for a diverse individual to get started in the golf industry.
JUNIOR TOUR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Funding for a scholarship opportunity to further support our goal of making golf accessible to all interested kids. ANNUAL REPORT 35
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R E A DY T O B E C O M E A PA R T N E R ?
GET IN TOUCH TODAY! Please contact Steven Bartkowski at 716-313-2943 or sbartkowski@pgahq.com to discuss partnership oppportunities.
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IMPACTING LIVES THROUGH THE GAME OF GOLF 711 Smith Road East Amherst, NY 14051 (716) 626-7095 wnypga.com/foundation
