The El Dorado Hills, Calif. club has supported First Tee Greater Sacramento since 2007—hosting more than 1,400 kids and teens for various events and raising more than $250,000. “The Serrano members and First Tee Committee have been an inspiration to work with and provide a wonderful example of how a club membership can make a difference,” says General Manager/COO Josh Rumsey.
Serrano Country Club in El Dorado Hills, Calif. and Parker Development have enlisted the help of its membership and resources to support First Tee Greater Sacramento since 2007. Over the years they have hosted more than 1,400 kids and teens for various events and raised more than $250,000. In addition, high school youth have benefited from equipment donations.
Thanks to their assistance, they have provided funding to support First Tee Greater Sacramento in four major areas:
– College scholarships awarded to participants who may be the first in the family to attend college and who need financial support;
– “Golferships” that allow kids and teens who otherwise could not afford to participate;
– Support of the California Eagles program for individuals with disabilities; and
– First Tee School Program for Elementary Schools for kindergarten through sixth-grade students, teaching life skills and basics of golf in their school PE programs. Currently this includes 11 schools with more than 5,000 local youth.
“This relationship with First Tee has exceeded our expectations,” said Bill Webb, one of Serrano Country Club’s founding First Tee Committee members. “We started out expecting to raise enough money for a scholarship. We are so proud of the generosity of our members. What better way to benefit, not only the lives of young people involved but also the community where we live”
Serrano First Tee Committee is one of the club’s committees that report to the board. Through sub-groups, each event is led by one or more of the members and people/financial needs are assigned. A talented and creative committee, along with a supportive club board and General Manager, has driven growth for the last 16 years. With guidance and support from the Greater Sacramento group, and from Serrano developer Bill Parker, the group has impacted more than 5,500 participants per year.
“It is vital for us to support children and provide continued pathways for all kids to participate and learn,” Parker said. “First Tee brings kids and teens to the amazing game of golf. Golf is a perfect catalyst for personal growth through experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience.”
This year the members of Serrano Country Club continue to create pathways and support for First Tee. They are committed to raising $82,000 through nine events as well as funding three additional Title 1 elementary schools in the Folsom Cordova Unified School District in the fall.
“Year after year, we are seeing the positive impact First Tee has in breaking down barriers and connecting our community through golf,” said Gary Feil, Serrano Country Club First Tee Committee chairperson. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to support First Tee Greater Sacramento, which is making a tremendous impact in the lives of so many kids … while enriching our own lives.”
Josh Rumsey, General Manager/COO of Serrano Country Club, added, “I have always been impressed by the First Tee organization and I love what they do for the youth of our community, the game of golf and the future of so many great kids. I am thrilled to be a part of the Serrano community that has been a leader in the club industry in their support of this incredible program. The Serrano members and First Tee Committee have been an inspiration to work with and provide a wonderful example of how a club membership can make a difference.”
Angie Dixon, Executive Director, First Tee Greater Sacramento said the organization builds “game changers” by empowering kids and teens through golf.
“We are grateful to Serrano Country Club for recognizing the importance of the First Tee program and its ability to offer benefits by enabling kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges,” she said. “They have set a wonderful example for other clubs to give back to young people in their community.”
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