The Tampa Y’s golf program has incredible news to share! The First Tee of Tampa Bay is now the #1 chapter in the entire country when it comes to serving the most amount of certifying kids. The First Tee National President Greg McLaughlin made the surprise announcement at The First Tee of Tampa Bay’s 3rd Annual Dinner Gala last month.The numbers are incredible! In 2018, The First Tee of Tampa Bay impacted more than 80,000 kids across Tampa Bay through introductory programs in 150 Hillsborough County public schools, golf lessons, afterschool programs and summer camp.“It was a magical night. Prior to the dinner, the evening began with former pro-golfers David Feherty and Gary Koch sitting with some of our teenage Players Club kids and answering questions about golf and life,” shares Executive Director Ian Baxter.Later as the gala’s keynote speaker, “David brought his usual charm, quick wit and amazing storytelling ability to the stage, telling jokes and recalling one humorous incident after another from his 40+ years in golf,” says Ian. “We were grateful to have him advocating for The First Tee of Tampa Bay and helping us promote our mission.”The First Tee of Tampa Bay also made quite the impression on the Golf Channel host. “I do a lot of these types of events and that was one of the best. Everything was very impressive,” says David. “I was happy to play a small role in helping raise so much money for The First Tee of Tampa Bay.”David’s rousing words helped bring in a record-breaking $1.1 million to help more local kids learn life lessons through the game of golf. “This may have been the largest one-day fundraiser in the history of any First Tee chapter around the country,” exclaims Ian. “It couldn’t have been done without the support of title sponsor All Seasons Wealth and everyone on our team. Thank you to our donors, supporters, volunteers and staff for being part of a night that will be remembered here in Tampa for years to come and for supporting the children of The First Tee of Tampa Bay!”If you interested in getting involved with The First Tee of Tampa Bay, click here.
