More than a decade ago, the Weekly decided we could leverage our resources and create a new program for local philanthropy to support the nonprofit community. We first established the Monterey County Weekly Community Fund as a donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) back in 2000. In 2009, we created an annual appeal to our readers—Monterey County Gives!
Today, Monterey County Gives! is a special project of Monterey County Weekly in partnership with CFMC, the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, and our other major partners, enabling you to donate in traditional ways or through different types of gifts, such as via your IRA retirement fund.
In last year’s campaign, Monterey County Gives! raised over $9.6 million in six weeks, thanks to more than 7,500 donors. That’s impactful. Since its inception, the program has raised and donated over $45 million to approximately 500 local nonprofits.
MCGives! runs through midnight on Dec. 31.
We invite you to participate and support First Tee – Monterey County through MCGives!
Become a donor, and help spread the word.
Every bit helps. We’re in this together and can collectively create positive change for all who call Monterey County home.
Please, join us to make a difference. Click donate to make a tax-deductible donation.
Like our participants, what makes First Tee chapters so special is that each one is unique in its own way. At First Tee – Monterey County, we celebrate diverse perspectives because it makes our work even more powerful. Yet one thing that remains consistent in every chapter is their passion for supporting the next generation and their communities. First Tee – Monterey County and other First Tee chapters are doing this by creating a space that makes every individual feel like they belong. A culture of acceptance is deeply rooted in our values as an organization as we seek to understand walks of life that are different from our own. Watch the video below to learn more about how First Tee – Monterey County is embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as one of the top DEI chapters throughout First Tee.
The City of King City Council approved an agreement with First Tee – Monterey County to operate the King City Golf Course at its meeting on October 11th. The agreement was the conclusion of an extensive selection process, which included the release of a Request for Proposal to all interested parties, selection committee interviews, and City Council public meetings and workshops.
First Tee is dedicated to providing youth of all backgrounds an opportunity for a brighter future. Their mission is to deliver a targeted curriculum of golf and character development, life skills, academic support, higher education, mentorship, and career development. “First Tee will be an ideal partner for the City of King because they will address the City’s priority on youth, as well as our goal to invest in upgrades to the City’s golf course and other facilities,” said City Manager Steve Adams.
While First Tee plans to increase programming for local youth, adult golf play opportunities will continue with little change. A local steering committee is being formed to help guide future operations and improvements. First Tee and the City are also working in partnership to plan and implement a number of future improvements to the King City Golf Course facilities to enhance the golf play experience for both adults and youth, as well as to increase the golf course’s marketing to visitors.
Under the terms of the agreement, First Tee will assume operation of the Golf Course on November 1st following the expiration of the existing operations agreement. According to Mayor Mike LeBarre, “the City is fortunate to have First Tee – Monterey County as its future operator.” “They bring with them a high level of expertise in overall golf course operation and maintenance, an outstanding youth program, and a commitment of investing resources and energy to the betterment of the community.”
City Manager Adams added, “the City also wants to express our recognition and gratitude to Yolanda and Drake Frudden, who have operated the Golf Course since 2012.” “They did an amazing job of maintaining the Golf Course and local play and tournaments through a period when the City had little funding to invest in the facility due to a serious financial crisis.”
First Tee – Monterey County has operated the Twin Creeks Golf Course in Salinas for 18 years and, through its youth development program, has positively impacted the lives of over 120,000 young people throughout the county. “Our board is thrilled at the opportunity to become the next operator of the King City Golf Course,” said David Gill, Vice Chairman of First Tee – Monterey County, local King City resident, and businessman. “We will be building on the great job achieved by the previous operator, and I believe First Tee is the perfect match for the future for all King City residents, the golf community, and especially for our local youth.”
First Tee – Monterey County is currently hiring local King City residents for various positions. They can be reached at 805-421-9299 for those interested or 831-789-7473 for any questions regarding the future King City Golf Course services.
Questions for the City can be directed to City Hall at 831-385-3281.
Steven Adams City Manager
“Meeting the needs of our entire community through caring, professional and responsive services.”
La Ciudad de King City Aprueba Un Acuerdo con First Tee del Condado de Monterey Para Operar el Campo de Golf en King City
King City, California – 26 de octubre de 2022
El Concejo Municipal de la Ciudad de King City aprobó un acuerdo con First Tee – Monterey County para operar el campo de golf de King City en su reunión del 11 de octubre. El acuerdo fue la conclusión de un extenso proceso de selección, que incluyó la entrega de una Solicitud de Propuesta a todas las partes interesadas, entrevistas con el comité de selección y reuniones y talleres públicos del Concejo Municipal.
First Tee se dedica a brindar a los jóvenes de todos los orígenes la oportunidad de un futuro mejor. Su misión es ofrecer un plan de estudios específico de golf y desarrollo del carácter, habilidades para la vida, apoyo académico, educación superior, tutoría y desarrollo profesional. “First Tee será un socio ideal para la Ciudad de King City porque abordarán la prioridad de la Ciudad en la juventud, así como nuestro objetivo de invertir en mejoramiento al campo de golf de la Ciudad y otras instalaciones”, dijo el Administrador de la Ciudad de Steve Adams.
First Tee planea aumentar la programación para los jóvenes locales, las oportunidades de juego de golf para adultos continuarán con pocos cambios. Se está formando un comité directivo local para ayudar a guiar las operaciones y mejoramientos futuras. First Tee y la Ciudad también están trabajando en asociación para planificar e implementar una serie de mejoramiento futuras a las instalaciones del campo de golf King City para mejorar la experiencia de juego de golf tanto para adultos como para jóvenes, así como para aumentar la comercialización del campo de golf para los visitantes.
Según los términos del acuerdo, First Tee asumirá la operación del campo de golf el 1 de noviembre después de la expiración del acuerdo de operaciones existente. Según el alcalde Mike LeBarre, “ la Ciudad tiene la suerte de tener al Condado de First Tee – Monterey como su futuro operador”. “Traen consigo un alto nivel de experiencia en la operación y mantenimiento general del campo de golf, un excelente programa juvenil y el compromiso de invertir recursos y energía para el mejoramiento de la comunidad.”
El Administrador De La Ciudad Adams agregó que “La ciudad también quiere expresar nuestro reconocimiento y gratitud a Yolanda y Drake Frudden, quienes han operado el campo de golf desde 2012″. “Hicieron un trabajo increíble al mantener el campo de golf y el juego y los torneos locales durante un período en que la Ciudad tenía pocos fondos para invertir en las instalaciones debido a una grave crisis financiers.”
First Tee – Monterey County ha operado el campo de golf Twin Creeks en Salinas durante 18 años, y a través de su programa de desarrollo juvenil ha impactado positivamente las vidas de más de 120,000 jóvenes en todo el condado. “Nuestra junta está encantada con la oportunidad de convertirse en el próximo operador del campo de golf King City”, dijo David Gill, Vicepresidente de First Tee – Monterey County, residente local de King City y Empresario.
“Construiremos sobre el gran trabajo logrado por el operador anterior, y creo que First Tee es la combinación perfecta para el futuro de todos los residentes de King City, la comunidad de golf y especialmente para nuestros jóvenes locales”. First Tee El condado de Monterey actualmente está contratando residentes locales de King City para varios puestos. Puede comunicarse con ellos al 805-421-9299 para los interesados o al 831-789-7473 para cualquier pregunta relacionada con los futuros servicios del campo de golf de King City.
Las preguntas para la Ciudad pueden dirigirse al Ayuntamiento al 831-385-3281.
Steven Adams Administrador De La Ciudad 212 South Vanderhurst Avenue King City, CA 93930 831-386-5917
“Satisfacer las necesidades de toda nuestra comunidad a través de servicios atentos, profesionales y receptivos”.
First Tee – Monterey Couty Participant Nicole I. Crowned Champion at the Inaugural TGR JR Invitational Presented by TaylorMade
The inaugural TGR JR Invitational presented by TaylorMade, featuring 60 junior golfers took place this past weekend at Pebble Beach Resorts. From a group of talented participants, 12 players emerged after 27 qualifying holes at The Hay to play in the championship matches at The Links at Spanish Bay. Winners of the inaugural TGR JR Invitational presented by TaylorMade include:
Girls 10-12 Division: Maleah Clark 5&4 over Suri Lau
Boys 10-12 Division: Vince Arciaga 3&2 over Kaeden Schabel
Girls 13-15 Division: Lily Morua 2&1 over Lexi Lowe
Boys 13-15 Division: William Keszler 2&1 over Cullen Pritchard
Girls 16-18 Division: Nicole Iniakov 1 UP over Cristen Faith Legaspi
Boys 16-18 Division: Dylan Brack 3&2 over Toatele Ofahengaue
USGA and First Tee continue to expand inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility efforts at the local level with IDEA Grants
LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. and PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 13, 2022) – Commemorating 25 years of growing the game through youth initiatives, the USGA has continued its investment in First Tee by awarding IDEA grants to 25 First Tee chapters across America.
The USGA’s IDEA Grant Program delivers direct funding to community-based programs that break down barriers to participation in golf and First Tee’s character-building programs, improving pathways to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. In 2022, 25 chapters – from Massachusetts to California – were awarded up to $25,000 each to provide transportation, hire diverse coaches, train volunteers, and build programs in diverse communities, among other activities.
Totaling $325,000 in 2022, the USGA’s investment in First Tee is the latest demonstration of its longstanding commitment to ensuring recreational golf continues to thrive. What started as a $3 million, three-year commitment by the USGA as a founding partner in 1997, USGA has helped underpin First Tee’s ability to reach more than 2 million youth annually.
“This year’s IDEA Grant Program is the latest milestone that reflects the significant progress that has been made to date in partnership with First Tee,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA. “The best way to introduce youth to the game is by meeting them where they are in their communities, and we are going to continue to drive resources toward the local level to ensure a more accessible and inclusive game for generations to come.”
“The USGA’s support is a game changer for the communities we serve,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “With these grants, our chapters are opening the door to even more youth, especially in underserved and underrepresented communities, to explore the possibilities in golf and beyond as they build their character and life lessons through the game.”
First Tee was founded in 1997 through the leadership of five golf organizations aimed at making golf more affordable and accessible in the United States through a national grassroots program. As the first programs were being developed, First Tee began an intentional effort to integrate the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, creating learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do.
Beyond its initial $3 million starter investment in 1997, the USGA immediately began to deliver sizable grants to build First Tee programs in Washington D.C., Chicago, Kansas, Alabama, Arkansas, and many other communities. Many alumni continue to play and work in the game, inspiring the next generation.
Following more than 25 years of substantial growth that led to 150 First Tee chapters with more than 1,400 program locations in communities across America, the USGA’s targeted support has helped First Tee drive more significant equity among underrepresented youth to access golf. The IDEA grants, launched in 2021, fund innovative initiatives for golfers with disabilities, those in Spanish-speaking communities, indigenous people, and at-risk students, among others.
First Tee is focused on increasing diverse participation year-over-year through many strategies, including hiring and training diverse coaches and implementing the First Tee School Program in Title 1 schools. The efforts are contributing to the diversification of the sport – since 1997, there has been a 25 percent increase in non-Caucasian golfers, many of whom entered the game through First Tee.
The 2022 grant recipients include:
Located in southwest Colorado and northwest New Mexico, First Tee — Four Corners primarily serves at-risk Native American and Latino youth through programs at Aztec Boys & Girls Club, Sycamore Park Community Center, and local elementary schools. The USGA’s IDEA grant funding helps the chapter subsidize greens fees, cover curriculum costs and financially support Native American youth participating in junior tournaments.
The expansion of First Tee — Greater Charleston’s Game Changers program provides mentoring, STEM and character education, safe spaces, transportation, meals, and enrichment activities for students starting in the sixth grade and guiding them through high school graduation. The chapter offers programming five days a week during summer and every Saturday during the school year with support from the USGA’s IDEA grant funding.
Increased opportunities for adaptive youth golfers have been made possible at First Tee — Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. The USGA’s IDEA grant has allowed the chapter to add programming for teens and children with autism, partner with Special Olympics of Hamilton County, host programming for kids with life-threatening and chronic health challenges, and provide transportation to Reeves Golf Course for an eight-week life skills course.
A two-time IDEA grant recipient, First Tee — Greater Pasadena hosts clinics for the Latina Golf Association, while the USGA’s IDEA grant helps cover course and coaching fees for events tailored toward Hispanic women who have never touched a golf club.
The all-female leadership team at First Tee — Hampton Roads works to increase access to golf for young people of diverse cognitive and physical abilities by partnering with the Special Olympics to host multiple adaptive events and provide members of the adaptive community with access to chapter facilities free of charge.
Eighty-six percent of First Tee — Monterey County participants are Latino, and a partnership with Valley Heath allows the chapter to provide programming to underserved individuals without healthcare. With support from the USGA’s IDEA grant, this chapter can create golf and life skills classes for Special Kids Connect while expanding its overall ADA accommodations.
First Tee — Pittsburgh provides life skills and youth development through a work preparedness program, adaptive golf for special needs students in the South Fayette School District, and community partnerships with Pittsburgh Police Department and Allegheny Youth Development. These initiatives are supported by IDEA grant funding, which covers transportation costs and the purchase of a van to transport youth to year-round sessions.
With excitement and anticipation, First Tee – Monterey County and the Pay It Forward Scholarship & Mentoring Program are excited to announce the nomination period for the Pay It Forward Scholarship & Mentoring Program has opened!
This extraordinary $20,000 scholarship and mentoring program opportunity is for current high school seniors who reside in Monterey County, are first-generation college students, and will attend California State University, Monterey Bay, this fall.
Our program is now in its 15th year of operation, with 62 students from throughout Monterey County currently participating and over 200 students served to date. You can see more about our impact here.
Our nomination and application process are conducted online, and updates to both forms have been made based on feedback from previous years. Please click here to understand the eligibility requirements. Additionally, please read the instructions at the beginning of the online nomination form prior to starting your Fall 2023 nomination. We have extensively tested the form and process. If you have any issues or questions, please contact our Program Director, Jessica Carter, as soon as possible at [email protected].
The deadline for submission of any and all nominations is FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2022, by 5:00 p.m. The form has an automatic timestamp. Failure to submit your nomination by 5:00 pm on Friday, December 9, 2022, will automatically disqualify your student from consideration. Please complete your nomination as soon as possible in order to avoid last-minute issues or disqualifications, as we do not make exceptions to our deadlines.
We look forward to receiving your nominations and learning more about these extraordinary young people.
First Tee Coaches are needed at our Salinas and King City Campuses.
[Salinas, CA] Oct. 07, 2022 – Becoming a First Tee — Monterey County coach is more important now than ever. Kids and teens are facing challenges unseen by previous generations. First Tee – Monterey County is looking for enthusiastic and caring individuals to serve as positive mentors and role models to kids and teens in the program. These individuals should desire to help kids discover what’s inside of them, guide them to strengthen it, and mentor them to put it into action in everything they do.
Individuals of all golf skill levels are encouraged to volunteer as coaches at First Tee – Monterey County. Coaches are trained to deliver First Tee golf and life skills curriculum. This training system is built on research-proven methods of positive youth development, providing coaches with the tools to make kids feel safe, included, and empowered.
First Tee —Monterey County delivers programs at 2 locations across Monterey County. Coaches are needed at the following locations:
1551 Beacon Hill Dr., Salinas, CA 93905
613 S Vanderhurst Ave, King City, CA 93930
Time commitment options vary by location and time of year for small group sessions and team play on the various golf course locations. To serve as a coach for First Tee – Monterey County, individuals must complete SafeSport training and pass a background check.
For over 18 years First Tee — Monterey County has been committed to helping kids build character strengths and important life skills through the game of golf and providing all kids with access to opportunities for personal growth in a fun and safe environment. Through introspective questions, interactive games, and immersive golf exercises, each lesson is designed to help kids build a better understanding of themselves and empower them to strengthen their values and character that they take to everything they do.
Not only do participants and alumni credit their coaches with empowering them to discover their character strengths and develop life lessons, but coaches reap the benefits as well, experiencing their own personal growth and transformation.
Individuals who have a passion for impact and want to become a coach can contact our Human Resources Director at [email protected]. To explore our other available positions, visit https://firstteemontereycounty.org/apply/.
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About First Tee – Monterey County:
First Tee — Monterey County is one of 150 First Tee chapters across the U.S. and select international locations. At First Tee – Monterey County, we are Building Game Changers by delivering a targeted golf & character development curriculum, life skills, academic support, higher education, mentorship, & career development to provide youth of all backgrounds an opportunity for a brighter future. Learn more at https://firstteemontereycounty.org/.
Congratulations, Bruce and Linda Taylor, on being recognized with the 2022 Distinguished Trustee Award by the Community Foundation for Monterey County (Salinas office). The Taylors received the award during the Celebration of Philanthropy held at The Club at Pasadera in Monterey. As award recipients, the Taylors designated a $10,000 grant from the CFMC between First Tee – Monterey County and @digitalnest! Without the support from Game Changers like Bruce, Linda, and the CFMC in our community, First Tee – Monterey County would not be able to provide youth of all backgrounds an opportunity for a brighter future. Thank you, Bruce and Linda! #BuildingGameChangers
Do you want to help us in Building Game Changers, too?
It’s time! We’re Building Game Changers by empowering kids and teens to be the best version of themselves every day. Join any of our programs after school, Monday through Friday, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 29, 2022) – Seventy-nine First Tee teens from across the country had the opportunity to learn from the game’s legends and explore their opportunities in golf and beyond during the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee, an official PGA TOUR Champions event, which concluded Sunday, September 25, 2022, at Pebble Beach.
Kalea Hall, representing First Tee – Monterey County, earned her spot on the green on July 14, 2022. In preparation, Kalea embraced her excitement and her nerves. Although playing Pebble and Spyglass is not foreign to Kalea. “Growing up, my Dad always worked at golf courses, especially for me to play so many different courses.” However, the PURE brings a new environment, like playing 54 holes over three days, the crowds, and the media. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play these courses during the PURE, but this will be my first televised tournament, which comes with a lot of nerves. It will mentally be a good challenge for me to play in this new environment. I am excited to do what I do and make the most of it.”
Kalea also spent the Summer preparing with Sydney Craven, First Tee – Monterey County alumna and 2021 PURE Insurance Junior Champion. Kalea and Sydney first met at First Tee- Monterey County when they were eight. “It’s so cool having Sydney as a resource. She is someone I’ve been playing golf with since childhood; Someone I am close to and look up to, and she won the tournament I am going to play in.” Craven’s most important tip to Kalea was for her to get to know her Pro and make the most out of her time with them.
Kalea and her Pro, PGA Tour veteran and defending champion, Steve Flesch, played Pebble Beach Golf Links Friday, Spyglass Hill Golf Course on Saturday, and made it to Sunday’s final round. Sunday started off with a near albatross on hole two as she hit her second shot just over a foot from the pin for a tap in Eagle! Kalea held a one-stroke lead through seven holes in the final round and tied after 11. She birdied the 17th hole and finished with a par on the famous 18th hole at Pebble Beach. Kalea and Steve tied the lead until the final few holes in the final round. They finished second overall among more than 70 Pro-Junior teams capping off the tournament at 21-under.
“We are proud of all the teens who played with confidence and composure this week at the PURE Insurance Championship,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “These young people exemplify the character and values we instill daily through the First Tee programs. A special congratulations to Bryson and Megan for winning the Pro-Junior titles. We thank PURE Insurance, PGA TOUR Champions, Chevron, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, and Golf Channel for making this a special week for 78 First Tee participants.”
First Tee – Monterey County is one youth development organization of over 150 national chapters dedicated to teaching life skills and helping kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The PURE Insurance Championship is one of several national opportunities First Tee Headquarters provides to encourage and motivate participants as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that the PGA TOUR supports. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. In 2022, First Tee celebrates its 25th anniversary, reaching millions of youth through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools, and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.
About Monterey Peninsula Foundation
Monterey Peninsula Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization which donates funds from the proceeds of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on the PGA TOUR and the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee, a PGA TOUR Champions tournament. The Foundation focuses on improving the quality of life in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties.
Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) Insurance is a property and casualty insurance company designed exclusively for successful, responsible families. We opened for business more than 15 years ago with the goal of offering something different in the insurance space: a company focused on doing what’s right for our membership (policyholders), one that promotes transparency and alignment of interests and delivers more excellent value.
Today, after growing at least 15% each year since we began, we are the most awarded insurer in our category, offer coverage in all 50 states that include high-value homeowners, automobile, collections, watercraft, personal excess liability, fraud & cyber, and flood to a membership of more than 100,000 individuals and families.
PGA TOUR Champions is a membership organization of professional golfers aged 50 and older, including 34 members of the World Golf Hall of Fame. The Tour’s mission is to provide financial opportunities for its players, entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back, and generate significant charitable and economic impact in tournament communities. Follow PGA TOUR Champions online at PGATOUR.com, at facebook.com/PGATOURChampions, on Twitter @ChampionsTour, and Instagram @pgatourchampions.
All events are televised in the United States, with most receiving complete coverage on Golf Channel, the exclusive cable-television partner of PGA TOUR Champions. Tournament programming is available via 25+ TV linear partners in 145+ countries and territories, with 25 channels carrying long-form and/or highlights coverage and 200+ hours of live coverage distributed in 135+ countries and territories. Programming is also available via the OTT platform GOLFTV powered by PGA TOUR in every market outside the United States, excluding China and Korea, with live coverage distributed in 130+ countries and territories.
Guess who’s headed to the TGR JR Invitational Presented by TaylorMade held at Pebble Beach Resorts?!
From October 8 through October 10, junior golfers, who range in age from 10 to 18, will be competing through a process that promotes the shared passions of TGR Live and the Pebble Beach Junior Golf Association by providing a unique opportunity and exposure to the sport of golf. We are excited to announce that First Tee – Monterey County participants Kalea H., Nikki I., Max Damian P., and Naomi R. are four out of sixty boy and girl junior golfers who have been invited to compete at The Hay and The Links at Spanish Bay. Learn more about the tournament at http://tgrjrinvitational.com/.
On September 21, First Tee – Monterey County participant Nikki I., Mentor Jeremy S., Alumnus Greg Classen, and PGA TOUR Champions Professional Tom Gillis. played in the Legends & Leaders Pro-Am presented by the PURE Insurance Championship. The team explored First Tee’s Five Key Commitments and shared invaluable memories together from the course to the Legends & Leaders Viewing Party!
