2024 PGA REACH WNY Foundation Focus

2024 Edition

FOUNDATION FOCUS Official Newsletter of the Western New York Section PGA Foundation

PGA REACH WNY "IMPACTING LIVES THROUGH THE GAME OF GOLF" Website: westernnewyork.pga.com/foundation/ Instagram: @pgareach_wny

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INSIDE THE ISSUE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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TRUSTEE ADVISORY BOARD & SECTION STAFF

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

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Victoria Schiro FOUNDATION OVERVIEW

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PGA REACH WNY EVENTS RECAP

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Duster Challenge, Birdie Bash & more...

MILITARY PILLAR UPDATE

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PGA HOPE WNY, HOPE Cup & more...

DIVERSITY/INCLUSION PILLAR UPDATE

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Fellow Update & Special Olympics YOUTH PILLAR UPDATE

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PGA Jr. League, WNYPGA Jr. Tour, & Drive, Chip & Putt BE SOCIAL

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Follow us on Social Media for Updates FOUNDATION PARTNERS Thank you!

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Director Victoria Schiro

Co-Vice President Michael D'Agostino, PGA

Co-Vice President Michael O’Connor, PGA

Secretary Jeff Mietus, PGA

Treasurer Dan Antonucci, PGA

Director Rob Krajewski, PGA

Director Matt Clark, PGA

Buffalo Independent Director Jamie Miller

Erie Independent Director Ted Grassi III

Rochester Independent Director Mike Merriman

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TRUSTEE ADVISORY BOARD PATHFINDER TRUSTEE OnCore Golf

Tim DiGiulio

CRPC L&M Wealth Management

David Gonzalez

Rick Kennedy

Lisa LaTrovato

Joe Mariano

Kendra Brim

Steve Coulton

Holly Hubert

Leadership Buffalo

Arbol

GlobalSecurityIQ

Hodgson Russ LLP

Buffalo Toronto Public Media

JAMCO Development

Stephanie Rivera

Lindsey Taylor

Eric Wood

Royce Woods

Half Luna Empanadas

Buffalo Police Athletic League, Inc.

Buffalo Bills Radio Broadcast

Citizen’s Bank

FAIRWAY FUTURE TRUSTEE Gia Bolognese

Kayla Burt

Jake Cerone

Nate Forrestel

First Tee WNY

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cerone Law PLLC

The Adaptive Golf Association

Ron Langhorne

Mark Nesbitt, Jr

Emma Powlin

Kyle Schultze

Glen Oak Golf Club

Aleron Companies

Morgenstern DeVoesick

Paul Steinig

Dana Szymkowiak

Hodgson Ross LLP

SECTION STAFF

Executive Director/CEO Victoria Schiro vschiro@pgahq.com

Director of Junior Golf & Player Engagement Julie Haile jhaile@pgahq.com

Director of Competitions & Membership Services Brayden Weiss bweiss@pgahq.com

Director of Development & Foundation Operations John Osberg josberg@pgahq.com

Operations Coordinator Mollie Mars mmars@pgahq.com

PGA WORKS Fellow Abigail Kludt akludt@pgahq.com

LEGENDS

Safetec of America, Inc

CONTACT THE SECTION Glen Oak Golf Club 711 Smith Road East Amherst, NY 14051 Main Phone: (716) 626-7095 wnewyork@pgahq.com westernnewyork.pga.com

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE VICTORIA SCHIRO WNYPGA Members and Associates, As we conclude another inspiring year, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support of PGA REACH Western New York. Your dedication to our mission has not only strengthened our foundation but also enriched the lives of so many in our community through the game of golf.

This year, thanks to your efforts, we have continued to expand our programs in youth development, military outreach, and diversity & inclusion. From mentoring young golfers to supporting veterans and making the game more accessible, your commitment has been the driving force behind everything we’ve achieved.

As we look ahead to the exciting opportunities the next year will bring, I am filled with optimism and confidence that, together, we will continue to grow and deepen the impact of PGA REACH WNY. Every contribution —whether it’s your time, your expertise, or your financial support—has helped shape the foundation into what it is today, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.

Thank you again for your incredible generosity and ongoing commitment. I am so proud of all we’ve accomplished and look forward to continuing our work together to make a meaningful difference through golf.

Sincerely, Victoria Schiro Executive Director

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FOUNDATION OVERVIEW

FOUNDATION OVERVIEW "Impacting Lives through the Game of Golf"

The PGA REACH Western New York Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and philanthropic arm of the Western New York PGA Section. Our 250 members across Buffalo, Rochester, and Northwest Pennsylvania are committed to serving our communities and growing the game of golf through our three pillars - Youth, Military and Diversity.

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.

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FOUNDATION OVERVIEW

PGA REACH WNY YOUTH PROGRAMS

MILITARY PROGRAMS

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

The goal of the PGA Junior League, our flagship youth program, is to help make golf more accessible to all interested youth. Local PGA Professionals organize and lead programs that enable children to experience the fun and teamwork of golf.

Other programs include: WNYPGA Junior Tour, Drive, Chip & Putt, and WNYPGA Junior Golf Days.

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) introduces golf to veterans to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.

It's a proven therapeutic activity that helps 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.

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 PGA Professionals participate in various fundraising activities that help expand the number of athletes participating.

These Programs Include: Drive, Chip and Putt

HOPE Cup

PGA WORKS Fellow

WNYPGA Junior Tour

PGA HOPE WNY Sessions

Special Olympics New York

WNYPGA Junior League

Tee it Up for the Troops

Women United Gateway to Golf

Kid‘s Days

Got Your 6

First Tee Women’s Golf Clinic

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SPECIAL EVENTS

PGA REACH WNY MARATHON JUNE 15, 2024 Another successful PGA REACH WNY Strides for Success in the books! This year’s event featured numerous runners with the course beginning at The Rock Bar and Grill and finishing at Mahaney’s Pub at Glen Oak Golf Club.

Thank you to our returning event title sponsor Bob Pawlowski at Praxis Financial Group! Over $15,000 was raised from runners and donations for PGA REACH WNY initiatives. Part of the proceeds were also donated to Girls on the Run Buffalo to fulfill its mission of “creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.”

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SPECIAL EVENTS

DUSTER CHALLENGE JULY 19, 2024

“Putting contest to crown WNY’s best putter!”

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 8th Annual Duster Challenge at Glen Oak Golf Club. It was a fun-filled night putting under the lights for a great cause!

There were over 100 participants in this year’s event, and $6,500 was raised for PGA REACH WNY. A huge thank you to our sponsors: Tee2Green, Channel 2 WGRZ, WGR 550 Sports Radio, Pita Gourmet, Lady Links, Michelob Ultra, Callaway, Tito’s Vodka, T Squared Putters, Lockport Storage, Attic’s 10th Hole & Golf Course and Glen Oak Golf Club for hosting!

Congratulations to all raffle prize winners, as well as the Duster CHAMPION, Eric Jankowski!

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SPECIAL EVENTS

UNITED WAY GATEWAY TO GOLF SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 Executive Director Tori Schiro, Operations Coordinator Mollie Mars and PGA WORKS Fellow Abbie Kludt, had the opportunity to assist with the United Way of Buffalo to help host the largest women’s only scramble in Western New York along with a clinic to teach women the sport of golf at Transit Valley Country Club. Over 200 ladies were in attendance in addition to 40 clinic participants, over 40 scramble foursomes and totaling over $50,000 raised for the event.

Thank you to Head Professional Jonathan Decker, PGA, Adam Kroll, Noah Unger and LGPA Professional Marlene Davis for teaching the ladies the basics of putting, chipping and driving.

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SPECIAL EVENTS

TEE IT UP FOR THE TROOPS SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

Director of Junior Golf & Player Engagement Julie Haile and Director of Development & Foundation Operations John Osberg, along with many PGA HOPE Military Veteran Participants, like Jeff Mietus, Nick Martone, Scott Smalter, Justin Hewitt, Brian Miller, Donald Navor, Heuser Peter, James Shea, Manny Shea, Christopher Skrotzski, Jeff Snyder and Robert Vaughan had the chance to participate in one of WNY’s most memorable fundraiser golf tournaments at Wanakah CC on September 9th - Tee It Up for the Troops.

With highlights of Gold Star and Blue Star families and decorated military veterans, this event impacted many in more ways than one through the experience and the funds generated by the event that are awarded to PGA REACH WNY for community golf programming.

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MILITARY PILLAR

MILITARY PILLAR UPDATE 2024 HOPE GRADUATIONS

List of Adaptively Trained HOPE Professionals Link PGA HOPE Western New York spring, summer, and fall sessions are in the books!

Our 2024 fall sessions wrapped up earlier this month with the final celebration of our veterans who completed the program and took the first step in learning to play golf!

We had 11 HOPE sessions throughout the 2024 season at 8 locations from Erie, PA to Rochester, NY reaching over 130 veterans.

Thank you to all of our PGA Professionals for volunteering and thank you to the facilities for hosting! Keep an eye out for 2025 session registration in the upcoming months and post-programming opportunities for veterans in your area.

WHAT IS PGA HOPE? PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to veterans 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 PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. All programs are funded by PGA REACH and supplemented by PGA Section Foundations, 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.

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MILITARY PILLAR

SECRETARY'S CUP 2024 MAY 15, 2024

The PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup is an annual event that provides a unique and memorable experience for our military veterans and PGA Professionals. Teams made up of veterans and professionals from across the country participated in the event at the University of Louisville Golf Club. Western New York had one team made up of 4 PGA HOPE Graduates and adaptively trained coach, Rob Krajewski, PGA! Not only were the veterans thanked and honored with a flyover of helicopters, but they also had the opportunity to play in memory of veteran that has passed. Seeing the names of all those who fought was truly an incredible moment - ‘Til Valhalla.

It was a great day for all involved!

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MILITARY PILLAR

CANS FOR HOPE

WE ARE COLLECTING CANS AND BOTTLES! Thank you to everyone who has dropped off their cans or bottles to the Cans for HOPE trailer! Your efforts have helped raise money for the PGA REACH Western NY Foundation. $1,100 has been raised Year to Date.

This initiative will continue annually as we can continue to support PGA HOPE, so look for us in 2025!

If you would like to host your own Bottle & Can Drive please contact the WNYPGA Office at (716) 626-7095 as our trailer is MOBILE!

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

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DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION UPDATE

CATCHING UP WITH OUR PGA WORKS FELLOW, ABIGAIL KLUDT The 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.

Our WNYPGA WORKS Fellow Abigail Kludt has provided an update on what she has learned thus far in her fellowship!

“So far, I have loved my 5 months at the Western New York PGA. The team and the members have been so welcoming, which is great! From going to professional tournaments to youth events, I have learned so much and I’m happy to be part of all of them. I’m glad I can start my career in sports at a company where I can professionally grow in areas I didn’t even know possible!”

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

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DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION UPDATE WHAT IS SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEW YORK?

Special Olympics New York started with "Eunice Kennedy Shriver who founded Special Olympics in 1968. One year later, Dorothy Buehring Phillips inaugurated the program in New York - and the state sent its first delegation of athletes and coaches to the Northeast Regional Special Olympics competition in Boston, Massachusetts. Special Olympics New York was incorporated in 1970 with Phillips as its first State Director. In June 1970, Rochester hosted the first State Summer Games. Today, Special Olympics New York is the largest program in the United States and one of the largest programs in the world.

Special Olympics New York's mission is to "provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community."

Every year, Special Olympics New York hosts a Longest Drive competition. This year, we partnered with the Duster Challenge. This year, we also had two divisions. Joe and Sara were the winners for both the men’s and women’s competition.

The PGA REACH WNY Foundation is excited to help grow the game by partnering with Special Olympics New York.

Special Olympics at Glen Oak Golf Club!

As you may know, Glen Oak has become the official Training Facility of the Erie Golf Club providing resources to help grow the game of golf.

Special Olympics Athletes are provided exclusive access to the driving range on Fridays throughout the summer months.

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YOUTH PILLAR

YOUTH PILLAR UPDATE

ABOUT THE YOUTH PROGRAMS IN WNY WHAT IS PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE? PGA Jr. League exists to bring communities together through fun, team golf experiences. These experiences transcend golf itself, like friendships that last for years to come or a newfound sense of confidence. What started as an idea penned on a napkin while watching the Little League World Series, has grown to more than 60,000 boys and girls on teams spanning all 50 states in 2019. This unique approach highlights team play versus individual competition and serves as a feeder system to transition youth golfers to existing junior golf programs, such as those offered by local PGA Sections.

*550 total registered players *441 GameChangers Members (a 9% increase from 2023) *25 Engaged Coaches *48 programs (33% increase from 2023)

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YOUTH PILLAR

PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE

JUNIOR LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

The National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship Season highlights the aspirational nature of competition celebrated in a way unique to PGA Jr. League. Ultimately, it’s a celebration of PGA Jr. League as a whole, and all competitions are designed to have a fun, family-friendly, and festival-like atmosphere.

Congratulations to all of the teams who participated in the 2024 Junior League Championship on August 8th! It was a great day to wrap up the season with the day ending with lawn games, lunch, and ice cream!

13u Champions - WNY Team North A

17u Champions - Glen Oak

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YOUTH PILLAR

YOUTH PILLAR UPDATE

ABOUT THE YOUTH PROGRAMS IN WNY WHAT IS THE WNYPGA JR. GOLF TOUR? In 1999, the WNYPGA Junior Golf Tour was formed to provide an opportunity and atmosphere for juniors to enjoy the camaraderie, friendship, and sportsmanship of competitive golf at a series of premier venues throughout the Western New York Section of the PGA of America. Since the inception of the WNYPGA Junior Golf Tour, it has grown from 10 annual events to the current schedule of 25 events. Annually, the membership is between 200250 junior golfers that play approximately 2,000 rounds of competitive golf.

Players in all divisions compete in a season-long points race to qualify for the season-ending Junior Golf Tour Championship.

The Tour’s main mission is to promote the growth of the game and is open to all skill levels of golfers.

BENEFITS OF BEING A MEMBER -Play some of the best courses in WNY -Develop your golf knowledge -Competition to fit each golfer’s skill level -Make lifetime friends and have fun

DIVISIONS Boys 16-18 yrs Boys 13-15 yrs Girls 16-18 yrs Girls 13-15 yrs Boys 9 Hole (10-12 yrs) Girls 9 Hole (10-12 yrs)

This year, Junior Tour sponsor, Mizuno, raffled off a custom Mizuno fitting and driver!

YOUTH PILLAR

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PGA JUNIOR TOUR

JUNIOR TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP

Congratulations to the winners of the WNYPGA Junior Tour Championship! A job well done to everyone who came out and played through the rain.

A sincere thank you to Wild Wood Country Club for hosting, as well as our sponsors: OnCore Golf, Mizuno Golf, and Freed Maxick.

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YOUTH PILLAR

PGA JUNIOR TOUR

JUNIOR TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP Congratulations to all junior athletes who were awarded Player of the Year! Thank you for all of your hard work, dedication, and effort that you put into each tournament. Looking forward to next season!

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YOUTH PILLAR

WNYPGA JUNIOR GOLF TOUR

Tentative 2025 Schedule APRIL Apr 19 Junior Tour @ Orchard Park Country Club Apr 26 Junior Tour @ Midvale Country Club Apr 27 Junior Tour @ Eagle Vale Golf Club MAY May 3 & 4 Junior Tour @ Southern Tier Shootout Day 1 @ Moonbrook Country Club / Day 2 @ Holiday Valley Resort May 10 Junior Tour @ Pendleton Creek Golf and Pub May 17 Junior Tour @ Lockport Town and Country Club May 31 Junior Tour @ Bartlett Country Club JUNE June 7 & 8 Junior Tour @ Summer Kickoff Shootout Day 1 @ Lakeside Country Club / Day 2 @ Clifton Springs Country Club June 21 & 22 Junior Section Championship @ Bartlett Country Club June 27 Junior Tour @ Niagara Frontier Golf Club June 29 Junior Tour @ Caledonia Country Club JULY July 2 Junior Tour @ Terry Hills Golf Club July 15 Junior Tour @ Wild Wood Country Club July 17 Junior Tour @ Churchville Golf Club AUGUST Aug 10-11 Junior Tour Championship @ Stafford Country Club

Congratulations to this year’s winners, and thank you to the above courses for hosting and making this a great season! Please contact Julie Haile at jhaile@pgahq.com if you are interested in hosting any Jr. Tour Events for the 2025 season!

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YOUTH PILLAR

DRIVE, CHIP, & PUTT QUALIFIER RECAPS

WHAT IS DRIVE, CHIP, AND PUTT? Drive, Chip & Putt is a joint initiative founded in 2013 by the Masters Tournament, United States Golf Association, and the PGA of America.

It is a free, nationwide junior golf development competition aimed at growing the game by focusing on the three fundamental skills employed in golf: drive, chip, and putt.

WESTERN NEW YORK QUALIFYING EVENTS 2024 Our team traveled across Western New York and Northwest Pennsylvania to bring the Drive, Chip & Putt competition to over 250 local junior golfers taking the next step in their junior golf road map!

Thank you to those who hosted Local Qualifiers and Sub-Regionals: June 20 - The Ridge Golf Course (PA) July 8 - Tyoga Golf Course (PA) - Pilot DCP July 11 - Glen Oak Golf Club (NY) July 22 - Genesse Valley Golf Course (NY) August 6 - Glen Oak Golf Club (NY) - Sub Regional Congratulations to the top 2 golfers in each division from subregionals, as they moved onto the regional competition at Aronimink Golf Club outside of Philadelphia, PA!

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GET INVOLVED

FOUNDATION PARTNERS

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR PARTNERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. WE GREATLY APPRECIATE IT!

TITLE PARTNERS

PRESENTING PARTNERS

SUPPORTING PARTNERS