Building Game Changers
Alana Williams, 11, enjoying herself at a PLAYer level class at Goodwin Park in Hartford.
Annual Report 2020 55 GOLF CLUB ROAD, CROMWELL, CT 06416 • 860.882.1660 • FIRSTTEECONNECTICUT.ORG What will your legacy be? It’s your choice! Hear from Dr. Glen Rapoport on why he chose First Tee.
I believe it started or stemmed from tenure as a member of our Board still a personal relationship I had with Dr. stands out in my mind. We had hosted James Mulvihill, who was a native of a luncheon for Board Members along Wethersfield and a National Trustee with several graduates of the First Tee of The First Tee. Our relationship – Connecticut program and the young began in 1968 with my interview at man sitting next to me was a minority the Harvard School of Dental Medicine student from the City of Hartford. He where he was the Assistant Dean of lamented that we were not attracting Students. It grew to something more sufficient minorities, kids like him, professional after I graduated from the to make the trek from the inner city UConn School of Dental Medicine and to Cromwell. He felt that we needed became a practicing Pediatric Dentist to explore more ways to spread the in West Hartford. I attended a series message to his community so that of courses at The Long Island Jewish more kids could have the coaching Hospital where he was teaching and and could grow into better people. the President. Finally, he returned He was correct! We needed to do to Connecticut to become the VP of better. Heath Affairs at the UConn Health It occurred to me later, however, Center. Dr. Mulvihill was a very strong that even though there was an influence in staying engaged and imbalance in the numbers of suburban giving back to organizations and kids participating alongside inner institutions. city kids that friendships might be He approached me because of formed, maybe lifelong between kids our mutual interest in golf and the from diverse neighborhoods, cultures, well-being of children. First Tee and ethnicities. Making friends while seemed like a good fit to me. I happen learning golf all with an eye on the 9 to be an only child and I think that Core Values; that is good stuff!! my choice of profession, Pediatric Now that I am retired after 38 years Dentistry, might have allowed me of Pediatric Dental practice, giving to play the role of a ‘big brother’ to back to First Tee through the legacy my patients in encouraging them to gift program makes me feel that I learn and practice healthy oral habits can still make a healthy difference that would contribute to their overall in some children’s lives. The stories health. First Tee allowed me to blend of the individual successes that are my passion for golf with encouraging recounted in the newsletters are proof healthy habits. that the dollars donated are put to One experience early on in my good use with tangible results.
Planned giving is for people from all walks of life and all income levels, who want to make a difference in the world; who want to leave a legacy; who want to make the world a better place. For donors, planned giving may be a way to give their life new meaning, to keep doing good even after death. Planned giving can play a critical role in ensuring a nonprofit’s long-term financial health. A legacy gift can be structured over a period of time or can be deferred, and it can involve a variety of assets, including cash, stock, business interests, real estate, artwork, tangible personal property, life insurance, retirement plan assets and more. For more information on leaving a legacy gift, please contact Development Director, Christy Miller at cmiller@ firstteect.org.
2 • First Tee – Connecticut • Annual Report 2020 Chairman of the Board’s Message: Dear Friends your support. Loyal corporate sponsors We are entering year 3 of of First Tee – sponsored the events that were held, responsibility for Fairfield County, Connecticut, and individual contributions were up and have made real progress in considerably over 2019. Thanks to you, expanding our network of participants If ever there we are well positioned to continue and supporters. Thanks to a strong were a year impacting over 71,000 (and growing) partnership with the City of Bridgeport, where we children across the state of Connecticut. Fairchild Wheeler is our second largest needed to We remain committed to ensuring programming site, and gives us a real focus on our every child in Connecticut has the presence in one of the state’s largest core value of opportunity to benefit from our cities. We remain constrained in lower perseverance, programming. We have learned that Fairfield County without an outdoor it was 2020. Spring programming was equal access doesn’t lend itself to equal facility to conduct our programming. It’s cancelled, events were postponed, participation. In some communities, a difficult challenge, but one we are not facilities were implementing new we need outreach to educate, recruit shying away from. I’m confident with rules or closing altogether. The staff, and transport less advantaged our continued focus, we will persevere volunteers, supporters, and our Board children. Our efforts in New Haven and provide children of lower Fairfield responded masterfully to all the have demonstrated that when we focus County the same opportunity to learn changing dynamics and we ended intently, we can make meaningful and enjoy. the year stronger than we started. Our progress. The pandemic may have Each year brings new challenges and coaches found new and innovative ways slowed some of these efforts in 2020, opportunities. 2020 was no exception. to offer virtual lessons until we could but we are persevering by redoubling I believe that key to our incredible return to in-person programming, and our efforts and devoting additional success over the past 21 years, from seamlessly adapted the new rules that resources going forward. Thanks to 18 kids at Goodwin Park in Hartford were implemented to keep the children Ellie Large for leading our Diversity, to 71,000 across the state, has been in safe. Equity and Inclusion Task Force of never losing sight of our goal of teaching I’m truly grateful for the dedication board members, community supporters, children of Connecticut life skills and support all of you showed when parents, and staff to guide our efforts. through the great game of golf. Thank we needed it most. When some of our Their tireless energy will ensure that the you all for persevering with us. fundraising events had to be cancelled, children participating in our programs many of you stepped up to increase reflect the communities we serve. David Dixon
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) First Tee – Connecticut is committed to a culture of inclusion, as we aim to provide programs and opportunities that are accessible, welcoming, impactful, and fun. That said, we recognize that there are ongoing structural and systemic barriers that often keep underrepresented youth from trying First Tee programs and golf in general. Our Board’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Taskforce is exploring ways we can better address inequities in fulfilling our mission. While keeping the kids and their families at the center of our thinking, we are also mindful of the interconnections of and impact by other stakeholders: coaches, community partners, volunteers, staff, board, donors, and alumni. As the Taskforce articulates long-term DEI goals and a framework for achieving them, we will need your help as advisors, advocates, and implementers! If you are interested, please contact Ilona Emmerth, Director of Strategic Partnerships ([email protected] / 860-316-2697). Thank you to our core DEI Taskforce, composed of board members Ellie Large (Chair), Tim Bunt, Javier Colon, David Dixon, Manu Mazumdar, Henry T.A. Moniz, Michael Moraghan and Skip Wyatt. They are working especially closely with staff members Ilona Emmerth, Christy Miller, Mark Moriarty, and Mark Murnane. We look forward to a growing group as we move forward. First Tee – Connecticut • Annual Report 2020 • 3 explained, “I was incredibly intrigued teaching/coaching and known that by its roots in CT, and its commitment it could move a child down a path to youth development through the of immense, personal growth.“ Most Our Front 9 game of golf…a game I’ve loved all recently, Meiser accepted the challenge Media Partner: Creative my life.” Baldwin learned the game of of Taskforce leader taking the helm Services Director at WFSB, golf from his father. “As I look back for our newly formed Fundraising Greg Thomas has been now, he instilled in me many of the Taskforce. “Enhanced engagement as a key partner of First same core values that the First Tee a Taskforce leader with the energized Tee – Connecticut for has adopted as its own,” Baldwin said. First Tee – Connecticut staff and several years. WFSB “Helping to develop young minds and Board to seek like-minded community has been instrumental in character focused on principles such members and businesses to support helping us get our message as honesty, integrity, respect, courtesy this mission of changing lives through out to a larger audience. Thomas and perseverance are valuable tools golf, has been natural for me and said, “We look for charities and non- First Tee Alumni will have for the rest certainly has been my pleasure,” Meiser profit partnerships with similar values of their lives.” Baldwin said that since said. as WFSB. First Tee – Connecticut is his introduction to FTCT and his buy-in a perfect fit for Channel 3. The nine to the mission he has constantly looked Participant: Sarah DeSanto is an Eagle core values are connected to golf but for opportunities to expand his role level participant as well as a volunteer certainly apply to our work in the with First Tee – Connecticut. Both of coach for First Tee – Connecticut. As newsroom and out in the community. Baldwins’ sons were First Tee youth DeSanto explained, “I was a little late The mission of the First Tee is so much coaches and his wife Kathleen has also to the game at the First Tee and only more than golf. The kids can take the volunteered at events. Baldwin said, started taking lessons there in nine core values and apply them to “It’s hard not to be impressed by what high school, but I jumped almost anything that they encounter the First Tee does and by the young right in and loved it in life. Joe Zone, Mark Zinni and many people who have come through the immediately. After about of our journalists love telling First program. I want to do anything I can to a year or so of group Tee stories. We’ve even used some of continue to help the First Tee succeed. lessons, I reached out the First Tee students and parents in Giving more of my time, enthusiasm, to volunteer. I’ve been other news promotion projects.” Not and support is the best way for me to volunteering with Coach only is Thomas a longtime partner, help.” Taylor for two summers and but he’s also a parent of a former falls now, and it’s been one of the First Tee student – his son Gregory! Fundraising most rewarding experiences of my life.” He remembered that the First Tee Taskforce Leader: DeSanto is a senior at Hall High School Patron’s Breakfast during Travelers If anyone knows in West Hartford and will be playing Championship is still one of their the key to D3 golf at Hamilton College in Clinton, favorite events. Thomas reflected, “The success in sports NY. She’s hoping to major in Public time my son spent in the First Tee it is Pat Meiser. Policy and Environmental Studies and program is still evident today. The way Meiser is a former eventually become an environmental he shakes someone’s hand and looks women’s college lawyer or journalist. DeSanto added, them in the eye. He learned that from basketball coach at “Participating at the First Tee has his instructor at the First Tee.” Penn State, associate athletic director not only helped me improve my golf Stay tuned for more public service at UConn and athletic director at the game but taught me many valuable announcements sponsored by WFSB University of Hartford. She’s also life lessons. I have learned so much featuring our kids – especially around done consulting for years, helping the about being a good leader and problem the Travelers Championship! next generation of women in sports/ solver by volunteering with Target business. Meiser joined First Tee – level lessons, and it felt awesome to Board Member and Connecticut’s Board of Directors in 2015 help the students. My past coaches at Vice–Chair: Ken and is also serving on the executive the First Tee were some of the biggest Baldwin, Partner committee. Meiser explained, “My influencers in my life that instilled at Robinson+Cole entire professional career as a coach in me a love for golf, and I really hope has been on and athletics administrator has been I have had that same impact on the the First Tee – engaged in sport, youth and character kids I’ve worked with.” DeSanto will be Connecticut (FTCT) building. When I learned more about sharing all her talents with First Tee Board of Directors First Tee – Connecticut’s CORE VALUES this summer as a camp counselor – for 4 years. He first got involved with foundation and the large number of aren’t we lucky! FTCT in 2008 when he was working on children who were touched by this the TPC Practice Facility permitting organization, I felt I could be of service. Parent: Susan K. Olson’s day job is project and worked closely with I have always known and loved the Associate Director, Accommodations, Bruce Wilson and Ted May. Baldwin powerful combination of sport and Student Accessibility Services, at Yale, s
4 • First Tee – Connecticut • Annual Report 2020 s but her full time and to introduce Selam to First Tee and, the core value of perseverance as he is most important job through it, to golf. She’s become a working part time for Solebury Trout is Mom to a very better athlete in the process, but more while still taking a full class load this talented First importantly, a better person.” semester. Silka is also a veteran caddie Tee participant at the Country Club of Fairfield and has – Selam Olson. Coach: After caddied several First Tee – Connecticut Selam is currently Dorothy Malerba golf tournaments. Silka is grateful for a freshman at Choate retired from the the impact First Tee has had on his life, Rosemary Hall. Susan State of CT, she “The program helped me develop very offers a wonderful perspective on First was interested important connections that still help Tee – Connecticut from a parents’ eyes. in finding a me today.” “When my daughter was about 8 or meaningful 9, she was making rapid progress as way to spend her Corporate Partner: Peter Gabriel, SVP, a figure skater — twirling on the ice newfound time, so she applied to First Head of Private Banking for Webster and terrifying her mother by jumping Tee – Connecticut and interviewed Bank said that Webster has a long and landing (usually) on a tiny sliver with Mark Moriarty in the fall of 2013. history of supporting youth programs of a blade. She loved skating. I loved She began as a volunteer coach in the in the communities they serve and watching her skate. But as I looked at spring of 2014 and the rest is history that supporting First Tee is a natural older skaters spending months and as they say! Malerba explained, “I extension of that commitment. even years miserably sidelined by enjoy golf and kids, so it seemed a Gabriel explained, “We recognize our injuries (spoiler alert: ice is hard), I perfect fit for me to occupy some free children will be our future business knew that for my daughter’s overall time and be involved in a wonderful and community leaders and support well–being, she needed more than one organization.” Dorothy may have gotten First Tee to instill a positive core value interest. Enter golf. more than she bargained for as the kids system to support their Selam’s first trip to the First Tee are definitely full of energy. Dorothy growth.“ On a more involved a lesson at Alling Memorial said, “The kids are enthusiastic and personal note, Golf Course where on the very first not only learn the game of golf but life Gabriel believes day her coach taught her how to hold skills and healthy habits.” It has been a in the nine core a club, but also how to introduce very rewarding experience for Malerba values that First herself, look someone in the eye and which explains why she’s still coaching Tee reinforces shake hands. “Well, that’s a life skill,” I today – 7 years after she first walked in with our youth. “I thought, as I tucked her back into the the door. “To watch a young person gain am a parent and car. Over the years, Selam has learned confidence through this program is just can attest to how difficult it is for our so many things through First Tee: how as rewarding as watching them make children to remain grounded or tied to to interact with those much older and a great shot and seeing their excited a foundational set of beliefs to guide much younger than she is, how to expression! You just share in their joy!” them.” Gabriel continued, “There are win and lose with grace, how to keep so many distractions in our kids’ lives, her own score and be honest about Alumni: Neel Silka, a former First Tee ranging from technology to pandemics, it, how to set goals and exceed them, – Connecticut participant said, “When that influence their personal growth. and how to set goals, fall short, and I started First Tee in 2007, not only was First Tee has helped tens of thousands persevere. She has had amazing and I exposed to such an amazing sport, of our youth live and experience a core fun opportunities to participate beyond I learned life values that I carry with set of beliefs that will undoubtedly her local course. She’s played with me to this day and will for the rest serve them well as they enter college students, played in a Halloween of my life. First Tee prepared me for adulthood.” Gabriel added, “Webster costume, and met PGA players in a rain- college and my professional career by has been and will remain an ardent drenched afternoon at the Travelers helping me have core supporter of First Tee – Connecticut!” tournament. She’s ridden along with values that most of a tournament official during a JPGA my high school Staff: Summer Camp Director, Erin event, played in a charity foursome, peers did not Westerman recalled that when she and been able to pay her good fortune learn.” Currently, walked into First Tee – Connecticut forward through volunteering as an Silka is a junior at for her interview, the first thing she assistant coach. Through First Tee, Lehigh University made sure to tell Mark I’ve seen her grow into a teen who is studying Computer Murnane was that able to confidently interact with adult Science Engineering. she didn’t play golf authority figures with poise. While This past summer Silka had an (yet) – but that she others tend to give me credit for that, internship with Solebury Trout (an did LOVE kids and it’s not my credit to take. She learned investor relations company owned by camp! Westerman that through First Tee. PNC Bank) and was asked to return. said, “I grew up s I couldn’t be happier with my choice Apparently Silka is very well versed in an athlete; I was
First Tee – Connecticut • Annual Report 2020 • 5 s always dancing, playing basketball and soccer, or running cross country growing up. In college, I tried my 2020 Program Wrap–Up hand at ice hockey and rugby then 2020 proved to be our most challenging Family Play on the Krapek Family became a yoga instructor in graduate year for programming due to the Learning Links in Cromwell turned out school, and later coached little kids in pandemic: we completed 85% of our to be one of our signature highlights in the summers when I wasn’t teaching winter in-school programming in 2020. We opened the golf course to old, elementary school.” Westerman said Bridgeport, Danbury, New Haven new, and existing families in May and that she has always valued the power and Waterbury, but were shut down June (and on Saturdays/Sundays July of sports in her life. “The motto of in mid-March. We cancelled spring and October), which led to over 1,000 tee “teaching life skills through golf” programming and were unable to hold times, more than double the previous really connected to me and I am so many of our traditional participant four years! glad that Mark gave me a chance centered events, in order to ensure the Summer camp here on The Learning despite my not knowing how to tell safety of our participants, coaches and Links sold out again, with 28 campers an iron from a putter when I first staff. each week for 7 weeks. Kudos to Camp started!” Fortunately, as the weather warmed Director, Erin, and the counselors for Westerman said that even though up, we were able to host summer/ spending time planning a safe, socially both her parents were avid golfers, fall Group Lessons and Teams across distanced camp, adhering to COVID she rebelled against the slower- the state, plus host summer camp in protocol. Staff wore masks, maintained paced sport that required patience Cromwell. As we all learned through social distancing, placed the children s and persistence. “It is only now that quarantine, golf, by its nature, functions in cohorts and only used the indoor I’ve had the pleasure of directing quite well as a socially distanced sport summer camp at the gorgeous facility and recreational activity. Our First Tee in Cromwell, CT – and have gotten participants, coaches and facilities some tips from the fantastic coaches operators rose to the occasion in at First Tee – Connecticut – that I’ve adhering to CDC, state of Connecticut started to enjoy this sport and the life and health department safety skills it has to teach me,” Westerman guidelines, for a safe, fun learning said. “The past three summers at environment. camp have been so much fun!” The Despite limiting class sizes and not coaches always created a welcoming being able to host in New Haven, our and engaging environment for little summer and fall participation numbers golfers of all levels. It has been such were only down 5%, due to the number a pleasure to work here alongside of new families and the enthusiasm of them!” our existing families returning.
Christopher Ortiz, 14, Waterbury Police Activity League
Coach Estela Segarra works with a student at Keney Park Golf Course in Hartford.
6 • First Tee – Connecticut • Annual Report 2020 s facility for staggered lunch, restroom, Program and water breaks. The kids adapted just as well and experienced a slightly Partners different but fun camp again! • Boys & Girls Clubs of Greenwich We were able to deliver several • Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford of our well received LPGA*USGA • Boys & Girls Clubs of New Haven Girls Golf events, the Solheim Cup • Brass City Charter School in August and Halloween golf • Bridgeport Public Schools and games, again with limited • Brownstone Intermediate School participation numbers for safety. • Cardinal Shehan Center Thank you to the facilities • Channel 3 Kids Camp operators and their staff who • Consolidated School of New Britain welcomed First Tee – Connecticut • Cromwell Public Schools coaches and participants to their • East Hartford Public Schools golf courses or driving ranges for • Grace Academy – Hartford weekly programs! Each one of you • Hartford’s Camp Courant was particularly supportive as we • Hartford Police Athletic League restarted programming this summer • Hartford Public Schools during a pandemic. You provide the • Horizons classroom where our learning takes • Ethel Walker School place and for that we are thankful. • Greens Farms Academy • Sacred Heart University • Indian Valley YMCA • Irving Lane Middle School Brielle Oquendo, 7, Meriden practices Next on The Tee for • McGivney Community Center putting during our Girls Golf Halloween • Middletown Public Schools Programs event at Learning Links in Cromwell. As we move into 2021, we are • New Britain Police Athletic League hopeful for some sense of a return • New Haven Parks & Recreation to normalcy – with 3 seasons of • New Haven Public Schools programming, and some interactions • Newtown Public Schools with our community partners in the • Norwalk Public Schools summer. Waterbury PAL was one of • Regional School District 13 the few organizations we were able to • Stamford Public Schools work with in 2020 and look forward • St. Martin de Porres Academy to doing more with them in 2021 in • Waterbury Police Athletic League greater Waterbury. We will continue to • Waterbury Public Schools seamlessly integrate the game of golf • Waterside School Coach Walter Shelton with a life skills curriculum, creating • Yale African American Affinity Association active learning experiences that offers instruction build inner strength, self-confidence, to Camp Courant and resilience that kids can carry to participants at everything they do. Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford. Facility Listing Alling Memorial, New Haven Course at Yale, New Haven East Mountain, Waterbury First Tee In school program warm ups with Ellington Ridge, Ellington physical education teacher Mark Gonillo Elmridge, Pawcatuck at Generali Elementary School in Waterbury. Fairchild Wheeler, Bridgeport Fairways, Branford Goodwin Park, Hartford Highland Greens, Prospect Keney Park, Hartford Klein’s, Madison Miner Hills, Middletown Prospect Golf, Prospect Richter Park, Danbury Roseland, Woodstock Stanley, New Britain Twin Lakes, Branford
2020, A Year Like No Other – Events Wrap Up
“Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors” could be a ESPN’s SportsCenter Anchor Jay Harris, and singer/ metaphor for 2020! It was a year like no other. Filled songwriter/musician Javier Colon – you can pretty with things that we never guessed we would use, need, much guarantee a memorable night with the inside or do at the start of 2020: masks, social distancing, hand scoop on the PGA Tour, lots of laughs and the soulful sanitizer, bleach wipes, toilet paper shortages, birthday voice of “The Voice.” Our friends at Dish Restaurant parades, graduation parades, cohorts, zoom meetings, Group provided the scrumptious hors d’oeuvres for our do-it-yourself haircuts, parents becoming teachers, social hour prior to the show, with Links Drinks and remote learning, crafts, puzzles, homes reorganized, Alvarium Beer Company donating the beverages. This families around the dinner table more often, yards in event was a sell out! Thank you to our Title sponsor – tip top shape, virtual everything, outdoor everything! Xfinity and our presenting sponsor – Beverly Buckner Yet here we are – a year later and we are still moving Baker who made this event possible. We netted $17,500 forward, still finding new ways to do things, new ways from this evening. A big thank you to Javier Colon, to celebrate milestones and at First Tee – Connecticut Jay Harris, and Joe LaCava for donating their time and we are still finding new ways to impact our kids and talents. build game changers! As challenging as 2020 has been – there have also First Tee – Connecticut Virtual Patrons’ Happy been some silver linings! Instead of our traditional five Hour events, we were only able to hold three and yet First June 24: When the going gets rough – the rough get Tee – Connecticut still netted 71% of our 2019 totals. going and at First Tee – Connecticut – we DID GET While we were unable to host our Taste of the Tee event GOING. Once it became clear that we could not host our in Fairfield County due to government restrictions on traditional in-person Patron’s Breakfast to thank our gathering size – our two golf tournaments SOLD OUT donors and recognize our 43 scholarship recipients – in the fall and the “Inside the Ropes with LaCava and we pivoted to our first virtual event! We held a Patrons’ Harris” last January was a pre-Covid triumph. We also Happy Hour. Our Executive Director Mark Moriarty hosted a virtual version of our traditional Patrons’ hosted Travelers Championship Tournament Director Breakfast thank you event and two friend-raiser events to introduce new people to our mission. Our corporate partners and individual donors really stepped up in 2020 and we are so grateful! It is noteworthy that while our unique individual donors were down by 38%, we still increased our donation size by 25% – which shows that our loyal donors gave more in 2020! As we reflect on the past year, as difficult as it has been for all of us – we come out of 2020 energized by all the supporters with us in our foxhole.
Inside the Ropes with LaCava and Harris and Nathan Grube and three of our scholarship recipients musical guest Javier Colon (Montana Andrea, Joshua Raj and Selam Olson) for a January 9: When you have a killer combination Q & A. We used the Patrons’ Happy Hour to cap off our of Tiger Woods’ Hall of Fame caddie Joe LaCava, most successful Birdies for Charity campaign ever – where we raised $97,382.
Friendraiser Events at Greenwich Country Club (9/30) and Hartford Golf Club (10/22) Board Members Karen Hopp and Beverly Buckner Baker hosted friendraising events at GCC and HGC respectively for First Tee – Connecticut this past fall. These events were a new initiative of the Fundraising Taskforce which was established at the beginning of the pandemic. The goal was to spread the news of the good work that is being done at First Tee to individuals s who don’t yet know about us. The Greenwich event
8 • First Tee – Connecticut • Annual Report 2020 s achieved her first ever hole-in-one on the fourth hole at Country Club of Fairfield. Hopp said, “I can die a happy woman!” and said that her accomplishment was even sweeter because it was a First Tee event, and she was surrounded by her husband Eric and friends Maura and Patrick Leo. Way to go Karen! This event netted just under $100,000 which is our second most successful fundraiser in First Tee – Connecticut’s 21 years. Board Members Pat Meiser and Beverly Buckner Baker with Development Director Christy Miller. First Tee Charity Classic at TPC River featured an incredibly Highlands in Association with the Travelers successful golf club Championship drive leading up to it. October 19: This event also shifted from spring to fall The Hartford event to accommodate local rules on social gathering limits! featured two of our We were super fortunate to have another spectacular all-star alumni – day this late into the season. We sold out this event Jason Liu and Sadie with the help of our highly motivated Hartford County Martinez who shared Steering Committee which includes Ken Baldwin, their experiences as participants to a very attentive audience. We plan to host more of these type of events in 2021. A big thank you to Karen and Beverly for hosting and for their total dedication to First Tee – Connecticut.
PwC First Tee Charity Classic at Country Club of Fairfield Volunteer Susan Olson with First Tee – Connecticut staff – October 8: Originally this event was supposed to take Mark Moriarty, Mark Murnane and Marie Bernatchez. place in the spring – but like many things in 2020 – Beverly Buckner Baker, Jeff Calhoun, Rick Carbray, that did not go off as planned – so we pivoted to the fall. Dave Corrado, Jeff Cohen, David Dixon, Ted May, Tom We ended up having a beautiful fall day and a sold-out Panczner and David Polk. Thank you to our event event! A big thank you to PwC for their title sponsorship sponsors and participants who made the day so and partnership with First Tee nationally and locally. special. Link Drinks and Tito’s Vodka rounded out the This event would not be the success it is without Craig afternoon with complimentary beverages. When all was Watchmaker and PwC’s immeasurable support and said and done, this day netted $68,000 to help First Tee dedication to First Tee – Connecticut. Thank you also – Connecticut’s 71,000 kids. to board member Tim Bunt for his tenacity to the First
Next on The Tee
We are hosting several exciting events in 2021! Here is a snapshot of what’s next on the tee. If you have any interest in participating in any of these events, please visit our website: www.firstteeconnecticut. Post golf reception at org or contact our Director of Development, Christy Fairfield Beach Club. Miller at 860–316–2513.
Tee’s success in Fairfield PwC Charity Classic at Country Club of Fairfield in County! A final thank Fairfield on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. Hole–in–one! you to all our sponsors Adult Child Open at Lyman Orchards Apple Nine in and event participants Middlefield on Saturday, August 21, 2021. as well as Link Drinks and Tito’s Vodka for their First Tee Charity Classic at TPC River Highlands in beverage donation. Last, Cromwell on Sunday, June 13, 2021. but certainly not least, First Tee Charity Classic at Race Brook Country Club a shout-out to board on Tuesday, September 14, 2021. member Karen Hopp who
First Tee – Connecticut • Annual Report 2020 • 9 First Tee – Connecticut History Total participants served
80k 74,801 71,473 71,238 69,116 69,322 70k 66,947 63,828 61,543 59,383 60k 55,180
50,750 49,798 47,798 50k 46,866
40k 37,005
30k 25,510 25,987
20k
10k
125 323 1,096 0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Registered Ethnicity Registered Gender Coaches <1%<1% 3% 3% 4% 4% 4% 4% 33% 4%
86% 67% 38%
White or Caucasian Male Level I
Multi-Racial Female Level II
Hispanic or Latino The First Tee Coach
Black or African-American Coach
Asian
Native American or Native Alaskan
Pacific Islander
Numbers were impacted by Covid
10 • First Tee – Connecticut • Annual Report 2020 2020 Revenue Sources School Programs
2020 total 177
Nat’l School Program 109 12% 18% 6% School Partnership 9 3%
15% In School Program 59 12% 0 50 100 150 200
5% 4% 5% Registered Participants 15% 5% 3000
2500 2,585 2,446 2,410 2,400 2,400 2000 TFTCT Events Major Gifts Payment Protection Program Annual Giving Campaign 1500 (Covid) Program Fees 1,350 1000 Alliance Partners Travelers Championship Grants 500 Corporate Support Third Party Events Unrestricted General 0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Woodstock 20
61,543number of youth in East Hartford First Tee - Connecticut Programs 4,000 Hartford 13,193 Greater Waterbury Central 12,500 Connecticut 5,100
Pawcatuck/ New London Greater 1,800 Danbury Shoreline 5,300 New Haven 12,200 30
Bridgeport 5,000 Lower Fairfield Country 2,400 2020 Program Map These numbers represent our OUTREACH activities, including National School Programs, DRIVE, and In-School Instruction, as well as OUTDOOR programs which include Spring, Summer and Fall Group Lessons, Golf Squads, Summer Camps and Teams.
First Tee – Connecticut • Annual Report 2020 • 11 2020 Annual Donors First Tee – Connecticut is grateful to the many individuals, foundations, corporations, golf course staff, and alliance partners for providing chapter support during 2020. We also appreciate the many in-kind donations we received throughout the year. Thanks to this incredible support and promotion, we were able to introduce the Life Skills Experience to over 65,000 young people in Connecticut!
We worked carefully to ensure the completeness and accuracy of this list.We apologize for any mistakes, misspellings or omissions and ask that you contact our office860.882.1660 to correct any inconsistencies.
The Andrew K. Dwyer Holly & Henry Moniz William & Named Learning Foundation Judgment Level Alice Mortensen Center The Krapek Family Charitable $1,000 – $2,499 Foundation Benefactors Foundation Trust Ken & Kathleen Baldwin Parker Hannafin Foundation Peter Mirabello The Bauman Family Charlie & Nancy Pike David & Geri Epstein People’s United Bank Foundation, Inc. David & Rennie Polk Karl Krapek TGR Foundation Charlene & Mike Bego Dario & Peggy Quiros
USSGA Memorial Fund, Inc. Chris Berman RCCGT Foundation Core Value Tom & Lisa Vacheron Shelley Biancamano Mike & Elizabeth Reilly Webster Private Bank George Brown Gary & Mim Reynolds Banners Chris & Kim Byrd John Robbin Bessette Family Jennifer Romano Respect Level Jim & Pat Calhoun DISH Restaurant Rick & Pat Carbray SNEWGA Board of Directors Group $5,000 – $9,999 J.J. & Susan Coneys Lida Tingley Carolyn Greenspan & Marshall The Budd Family Fund Paul Coneys United Service Company Inc. Ruben Jeff Cohen Family Fund Connecticut Women’s Golf Craig & Heather Watchmaker In Honor of Christopher The Dick’s Sporting Goods Association George & Susan Wyper Harrison Foundation Corporate Risk Solutions, LLC Interfaith Open Eversource Energy Service Co. CVS Health Foundation Integrity Level Longobardi Family Fairfield County Bank Downey Family Foundation Bob & Alys Morande Hartford HealthCare R. Bradford Evans $500 – $999 Robinson & Cole Buz & Carol Kohn Fanduel AllianceBernstein Walking for Kids Eric & Karen Hopp Fiduciary Investment Advisors Artichoke Basille’s Pizza Foundation LDE Real Estate Advisors Fifth Generation, Inc. Bruce & Pamela Barth David Marks & Ann Sagalyn Michael & DeeDee Fleitz Brien & Eileen Beakey Marsh & McLennan Companies Geraldine Frankel Bill Begina Alliance Klubs For Kids Fund/Skrubis Bob Garthwait Boccaccio Family Trust Organizations Family Roger & Margie Gelfenbien Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. CT Association of Golf Course St. Vincent’s Medical Center John H. Gernon & Rebecca S. Tim & Diana Bunt Superintendents Tokio Marine HCC Brienza, M.D. Patrick Callaghan CT Club Managers Wal–Mart Stores, Inc. Bill & Diana Gray Carl & Mary Cavaliere Association XL Specialty Insurance Great American Donut, Inc. George & Kristine Claffey CT Section PGA Company John and Kelly Hartman Sanford Cloud, Jr. Esq. CT State Golf Foundation Harry Corning Association Jeff & Donna Hires James Cotter CT Women’s Golf Perseverance Level A.C. Israel Foundation, Inc. Marissa Curcuru Association $2,500 – $4,999 Mike Jackson Lisa Davenport Southern New England AmWINS Group, Inc. John Michael Associates, Inc. Pat & Maureen Dore Women’s Bartlett Brainard Eacott Barbara Karis Downey Peter & Jackie Dunn Golf Association Jim Berger The Kenneth K. Kinsey Family Eversource Energy Foundation, Teddy & Regina Bobroske Foundation Inc. Paul Bocciarelli Steve Lee First Tee Official Media Boyd Watterson Asset Mgmt Ted & Debbie May Carol & AJ Fortier Partner CBRE Ruki & Manu Mazumdar Ellen Frell Pat Meiser Bill & Karen Harrison WFSB CHUBB Keith Corneau The Country Club of Darien Sportsmanship Level Dave & Christine Dixon $20,000 – 99,000 EMCOR Services New England Mechanical Shep & Beverly Baker With special appreciation for the Pat Ferris Art & Mariko Byrne David Gordon following scholarships: Connecticut State Golf Matt Halprin Association Aetna Retirees Scholarship in honor of H. Grant Rob & Karen Hess David & Geri Epstein Private Max Cares Foundation, Inc. Thomas and Roger Lawson Foundation May, Bonee & Clark Insurance Richard P. Garmany Fund 19 Iron Scholarship (Downey Family Marge Morrissey Mastercard Foundation) NFL Alumni, CT Chapter PricewaterhouseCoopers Dan Novarr Fund/Avra Novarr Andrew K. Dwyer Foundation Scholarship Travelers Championship Robinson + Cole, LLP Epstein Family Scholarship Mike Tedone Responsibility Level United States Golf Association William P. Lyons Scholarship $10,000 – 19,999 Tom & Lisa Vacheron The Mazumdar Family Scholarship Bill & Marianne Watson Daniel Novarr Scholarship Comcast Cable Whitehawk Construction Connecticut Section PGA Services, Inc. Donald E. Vacheron Scholarship Foundation
12 • First Tee – Connecticut • Annual Report 2020 Charlton Chatfield & Nicola Beyerle Family Giving Fund Johnson Bloomfield Rotary Foundation, We are grateful to the families of the Stephen & Susan Chernock Inc. following for selecting First Tee – Julie Church Sandy Boal & Sandy Mirable Paula Cleary & Paul Farrell Darlene, Harold & Michael Connecticut for gifts in their loved one’s Joanne Colannino & Robert Bowen memory in 2020: Denison Don Boyce Bobbi & Barry Coller Don & Susan Brant Shepard W. Baker Connecticut Lighting Center Samuel Bridges James W. Crayton Jack & Julie Corroon David Bright Clinton “Mac” Johnson Lois Dailey Peter Brown Howie Dickenman Gregg Brozek John Lotty Emerson Swan Michael & Irene Brugg Michael J. Malerba Lawrence & Megan Foley Lawrence Cafero The GE Foundation Kevin & Sue Canavan Joseph Malespini Joel & Beth Grieco Richard & Joan Cassin William August Schulz Griffin Electrical Contractors, Mark & Lauren Cattel Paul Setti Inc. Paul Ceglarski Guilford Boat Yards Alex & Linda Chapman Michael Silvestri Barney & Julia Hallingby Jeff & Anne Cimini William F. Souders Lynn Hamilton Chris & Annette Clow Mary Harris Brendan Cooper Aquitania “Ackey” Torza Ross & Susie Hatch John Cooper Lawrence “Larry” Trickett Jr. The Hedden Family Foundation Frank Coulom Katherine Holden & Josh Jaffe Tim & Sallie Craig Jeffrey Vose Dan & Blake Hubbard Creative Office Interiors Suzana Ionita–Redett & John Bill & Angela Cruger Redett Maureen & Jim Curtis Ian & Elizabeth John Bradford Cushman Ty Jones & Joy McGrath Eric & Pat Daniels Dan & Jeanne Kleinman Tyler & Paige Davis With appreciation for our grantors Nancy & Steve Kotchko Kara DeFilippo Ellie Large James & Mary Devine who their continued support of John & Julie Livingstone Charles Dipanni our mission The John G. Martin Foundation Ilona & Mike Emmerth Jackson Marvel Kevin Farrelly Connecticut Section PGA Ned May Anita & Anthony Ferrante CVS Health Foundation Kevin McDonough Michael Figueiredo The Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation Tom & Laurie McGrath Jeff & Lori Flaks Larry McHugh Carol Flaton & Sandra Buergi First Tee John & Pam Meehan Deirdre Flynn & Robert Richard P. Garmany Fund Frank Melchiore Shepardson Christy Miller Joe Fowler A.C. Israel Foundation, Inc. Adam & Kristen Mucinskas Jerry & Dawn Frame William and Alice Mortensen Foundation Tom Mullaney Barry & Deb Frank Parker Hannafin Foundation Mark & Lynn Nappi Gerry Freedman & Kristin King William A. Petit Jr. Rob & Charlotte Friedland TGR Foundation Al & Katherine Petitpas Tino & Susan Galluzzo United States Golf Association Power Unlimited, Inc. Anne Gauthier Robbie & Lisa Pyne Peter Gevalt Glen Rapoport Amy & Jack Gillis Brian & Tracy Rice Bob & Frankie Goldfarb River Highlands Homeowners Richard & Randy Goldrick Hartford Yard Goats Doug Silver Association Bob & Lee Goode The Per & Astrid Heidenreich Mike & Jodi Smith Dan & Melanie Ross Riley Green Family Foundation James & Katie Stewart Salisbury School Golf Team Marc & Sheryl Green Simon Higgs Travelers Community Shepard Steel Co., Inc. Venu Guddera David & Allison Hill Connections Joseph & Carrie Sindelar Larry Haertel Michael Horgan John & Marcie Walsh Peggy & Ken Stephens Raymond & Mary Jane Halsted Jonathan & Kelly Jarvis Ted Whittemore Rose Swiatkiewicz Roger & Ann Hanlon Jay Johnston Jeff & Jane Witherwax Beverly Thomas Patti Haran Bill Keough The Harold L. Wyman Phil Vogel The Hartford Golf Club Women’s Roland & Marilyn LaBonte Foundation Michael Walton Golf Committee Alex & Joanne Lloyd Michael Watts Sally & Howard Hochman Millennial Slicers of Greater Bill & Anne Holm Hartford Honesty Level Len Horvath Rusty Mather $250 – $499 Courtesy Level Rick Hunt Brian Nurse Aetna Foundation $100 – $249 George & Livia Jacobs Thomas O’Connor Bob & Lorraine Albanesi Doug Allen Brian & Denise Johnston David & Janet Offensend Avon Plumbing & Heating Elizabeth Alquist Cheryl Johnston Orange Hills Country Club James Bango Kevin Anderson & Tara Griffin Richard & Carole Kalikow Men’s Golf Association Jason & Kathy Benedict Chuck & Linda Andrew The Kane Family Ron Papa Robert & Donna Benzinger Bryant & Elisabeth Andrews George Karfiol Parrett, Porto, Parese and John Berman Douglas Armstrong Dorothy & Mel Kawakami Colwell PC Bob & Suzette Bernatchez Martin & Hatsie Baltus Susan Kayeum Jim Ray Alison Bibbins Ward Susan Barker Kim Kelley Jerry Renzoni John & Judy Bierly Grant Barkey Hiram & Diana Kelsey Susan Rubin Jim & Beverly Boyle Sean & Nancy Barrett Larry and SueAnn Kennedy Mim Schreck John & Jane Brett Theodore & Evelyn Bartolotta Ron & Sharon Keyes Jean Sennett Billy & Sue Brew John Begley Ashley & Mike Kibby Scott Seymour Ben & Julie Campbell Dave & Denise Benoit Treacy Kirkpatrick Shoreline Ladies Golf League John & Sharyn Cannon Marie Bernatchez Ron Kleinman Glenn Sieber Janet Castricum Jackie Bernstein Robert & Elizabeth Kocaba
First Tee – Connecticut • Annual Report 2020 • 13 The Koch Ellis Fund John Ritter Lori Biancamano Sam Iacobellis Cathleen Kowalski Chris Roberts & Nancy Zannini Katherine Biggs Michael & Nancy Ian Peter Krzyzek Eric & Elise Rose Phil Blonski Diana Iannucci Kerri & Kenneth Langevin Peter & Michelle Roth Debbi Bochniak Stephanie Jarvis Jeffrey Lanning Betsy Russell Don & Jackie Boisvert Carter Jensen Chris & Leigh Larmoyeux Bill & Suzanne Sales Andy Bologna Jeremy Jones Christopher LaVine Anne Santa–Donato Andrew Bonetti Cathy Jortner Gale Lemieux Catherine Sardinha Alberta Bove Mildred Kalison Roger & Florence Liddell Mary Sargent Larry Bowman & Margaret Mike Kardok Bernard Lidestri Ken & Edie Schechter Dillon Amanda Kavanagh Dave Lindsay Leslie Scoutt Tracy Brainard Kyle Keelan Richard Lindstrom Susanna Shannon Seamus & Shannon Brown Gretchen Kenny Fritz & Lee Link John Shea LeAnn & Scott Burbank Peter Kessen Peter Lisi The Shulansky Foundation, Inc. Katie Burdick Amy Kim Tong & Rita Liu Marty Sienko Pam Butterfield Bardya Kimyachi Jeff & Robbin Livingston Paul & Lucy Silvergleid Manny Caicedo Michael Klasfeld Joanne & Michael Longabardi Cameron Smith & Liza Vann Donna & Poncho Carofano Brad Koch Bob & Deb Loomis Hester & Ben Smith Kathy Castellon Briea Korzep Peggy Lorence Howard & Ileene Sobel Dame Rose Catalan Bob & Kathy Kulig Loren & Jeff Luddy Soundview Construction Richard Cave Jeffrey LaBonte Phillip & Joyce Mahoney Advisors Chester & Benita Cebulski Stephen Laccone Dan & Pat Malarney Dave Souza Rusty & Tina Chandler Lynn LaMonica & Susan Alex Marconi Stanley Black & Decker Lynn Charette Wagemaker Fran Marrello James Stifel Nicole Chiravuri Louise Landry Carey Sheila Martin David & Gail Stone Terri–Jo Ciocca Thomas Lane Oscar & Peggy Martinez Dennis Sullivan Linda Cleveland Jim, Tricia & Cameron Ledford Gary & Erika Matt Anne Sweeney Carole & Jay Colpitts Sarah Lehberger Ann McClure Jim Sweeney Skip Conn Diane Leja Alan & Priscilla McCord Warren Sweet Michael & Linda Connors Katie Leonard David & Courtney McDavid Hiro Takata Fritz & Licia Conway Gabriella Leonetti Chris McGlashan & Lucy Savo Brian & Alexandra Tart Coppola Photography Jana Letoile Pat & Toni McGowan John & Kathy Taylor Joseph Corselli Lisa Libera Rusty & Mary Ellen Bob & Carol Tedoldi Nina Courville Tom & Wendy Lincoln McGranahan Bill Tegeler Lisa Cowan Grace Liu Craig McKibben & Mary Ellen Anthony Testi Gregory Darin Brooke & Cybele Loening Mannion Kevin Tierney Coleman Davis Philip Long Julia McNamara Patty Torza Mariana Davitt Ann Lucente Richard Mead Paul & Lee Tregurtha Kim Demsey Leo Luciani Sharon & Michael Michigami Margo & Charles Tusa Janice Desi Anthony Maglione The Mill Pond Company, LLC UnitedHealth Group/Optum Deborah Digennaro & Patricia Susan Mancini Barry & Carol Miller Barbara Vaiuso Levasseur Carol Martin Gifford & Pam Miller John Vartelas Kieran Doherty Christopher Mason Chris Minar Paul Velezis Chaweewan Donohue Jill Mastrototaro James & Barbara Moltz Bill & Kathy Weigel Margaret Douglas–Hamilton Kevin May David & Deborah Moore Andrew Wilcox Stacey Durand Tracey McAulay Morgan Stanley Foundation Bruce & Roberta Wilson Frank & Margie Duzy Richard McCarthy Mark & Carol Moriarty Jeanette & William Wininger Joanna Echols Julie McCullough Mark & Kim Moriarty Michael Wittman Brandon Ellison William McDonald James Mullarkey Linda & Stephen Woods Dennis Estevez Stanley & Linda McFarland Joe & Mary Mullarkey Peter Young Chaunell Feliciano Jeffrey Miller Mari Nakachi & Dan Simkowitz Eric & Jessica Zachs D Fernando Melissa Miller Michael & Martha Nesbitt Eric Zajac Chelsea Ferranti Jerry Minier Jay & Lil Nolan Al Zemaitis Mary–Ann Flynn Mary Molloy Sylvia & Leo Novarr Fund Michael & Barbara Zimmerman Gary & Jerilyn Fortier Maura Moorman Carole Oat John & Ann Zubretsky Carey Fraulino Linda Morgan Daniel O’Connor Justin Fuller Bob Morrissey Denise & Todd Olovson Marjorie Funk Joseph Mrozowski Bob & Cherie Orenstein Confidence Level Ralph & Annette Gagliardi Mark & Jen Murnane Ellie Owens $1– $99 Bo Garrett George Nakos Robert Pace Nathan Agostinelli Laina Gavi Cindy Napoleone Mary Pagnam LA Ainsworth John Gavin Jennifer Napoleone Tim & Jane Pagnam Charin Alicea Gerber Golf League James & Marcia Nicol Debra Palmer and Jeffrey Patricia Allen Nick & Gail Giardina Beth Nori Plocharczyk Karen Anahory Juan Gonzalez Kirk & Jennifer Nystrom Sara Papa Wyatt Anderson Gabriella Gonzalez Evelyn & Richard O’Connor Trudy & Paul Pasteris Anonymous (3) Mary Grande Thomas & MaryLouise O’Keefe Shefali Pathy Natalie Autunno Jeffrey Greenblatt David & Suzanne Oliver Daniel Pellenberg Sarah Babineau Jennifer Griffin Trish O’Neill Katharine & Daniel Pengue Bill Bachmann Robert & Susan Griswold Danny Oquendo Bob & Joan Penney Garrett Ballinger Mary Guenther Kelly Orazietti Peggy Peoples Tatiana Banhon Jaclyn Gulbrandsen Vidyadhar Pagidi Miguel Perez Joseph Barahona Janet Hafler Marianne Palladino Franklin Perry Kristine Barry Brendan Haire Joseph & Gwen Palmer Katie & Joseph Pettit Ted & Carlene Bartolotta Hannah Butler Steel Tom & Lisa Panczner Janet & Donald Phillips Kimberly Basile John Haverkampf George Pappas Phoenix Advisors, LLC Rick & Kate Beatty Kira Henderson Gerald Paradis Joe & Sandy Plourde Laura Becker Kim Henderson Linda Pearson Karen & David Prendergast Tyler Benson Richard & Irmtraud Hermanson Jim Perlotto Ann Purcell Barbara & Skip Berlepsch Al & Kathy Herzog Phoumalai Perrone Sophie Purdy Reagan Bernatchez & Ricky Tyler Ho Bonnie Peterson Jonathan Putnam Cupaiuoli Scott Houghton Diane & Anton Petras John & Susan Rathgeber Craig Berthiaume Nathaniel Hudson Margaret Pisani Thomas Riley James Hurley Ted Pisk
14 • First Tee – Connecticut • Annual Report 2020 Bobby Powell David Smith Paul & Cynthia Prete Michael Soccie Ellen Prior Anne Stapleton–Reilly First Tee Pete & Anne Putzel Stenman Family Trust Sharon Randall Michael Stitzel Mike Reddy Maria Susanin Shaun & Bridget Regan Aziz Syed Board of Directors: Elaine Remley David & Lisa Szewczul Beverly Buckner Baker Stephen Repka Jessica Taylor & Natalie Wolff Lynanne Revay Mike and Meghan Taylor Kenneth Baldwin, Vice Chair Deryk & Christine Richenburg Alan Thal Donald J. Barr, Emeritus Director Marilyn Ridolfo The Community Foundation for Theodore (Teddy) Bobroske Jim Ristas Greater New Haven Jim & Amy Robinson Scott Thorensen Paul Bocciarelli, D.M.D. Ellen Rockett William & Sharon Tingley Tim Bunt Orlando & Iris Romeo Orlando & Audrey Tomlinson Karen Ruggiero Tyler Tompkins Coach Jim Calhoun (Hon. Dir.) Nick Russell Monica Torrance Jeff Calhoun Dave & Virginia Rutz Mary Torza Elizabeth (Liz) Caron (Hon. Dir.) Don & Shirley Sanders Rick & Mary Towers Mike & Anna Savic Peter & Paula Tripp Jeffrey L. Cohen, M.D. John Schlachtenhaufen Susan & Ron Turmel Javier Colon (Hon. Dir.) Sharon Schreiber Heather Varni James & Jean Sciaudone Jean Vitalis Alicia (Lisa) B. Davenport, Secretary SCNS Sports Foods Evelynn Washington David Dixon, Chairman Ted & Ellen See Kathleen Wasko Barbara Karis Downey (SNEWGA) David Seitz Marc Weingarten James Shanley Marc & Wendy Weston Brad Faxon (Hon. Dir.) Scott Shuster Betsy Williams Christopher Goodwin (CCMA) Ewa & James Sidwa Randy & Tanya Wingate Maryann & David Simmons Tracy Woznicki J.J. Henry (Hon. Dir.) Paul Singley Laura & Bill Yandow Karen Hopp Beth Slayton Elena York Jay Sloves Dave Yurczak Joe LaCava (Hon. Dir.) Warren & Pia Smith Maximiliano Zayas David M. Ladd, Emeritus Director Patricia Smith Amanda Zhou Mercedese (Ellie) Large Lucas Smith David P. Marks C.F.A. Donny Marshall (Hon. Dir.) Ian Marshall (CTPGA) First Tee – Connecticut would like to thank the Daniel Martinez (Hon. Dir.)/Alumni following individuals, organizations and Edwin H. May III, Chairman Emeritus businesses who donated products and services Manu Mazumdar in 2020: Patricia H. Meiser The Americas ROYAL Olives and Oil Henry T.A. Moniz AIR MAROC The Patterson Club Michael Moraghan (CSGA) Connecticut Beer Tours Pearl at Longshore David E. Polk, Emeritus Director Connecticut Science Center Playhouse on Park Glen M. Rapoport, D.M.D. Country Club of Fairfield Rolling Hills Country Club Gary M. Reynolds, Emeritus Director Fairview Farm Golf Course Round Hill Club Marshall S. Ruben First & Last Tavern Sharon Country Club Mim Schreck (CWGA) Frank Pepe’s Development Silver Spring Country Club Scott Seymour Co. Still Hill Brewery Lauren Stephens Ina Garten Stony Creek Brewery Thomas (Tom) E. Vacheron General Mills Theaterworks Craig Watchmaker Golf Digest Thomas Hooker Brewing Marc Weston (CGCS) Greenwich Country Club Company Bruce Wilson, Emeritus Director Keith Griffin Tito’s Vodka Lorenzo (Skip) B. Wyatt, Treasurer Marty Hackel TPC River Highlands Simon Higgs Trump National Golf Club Links Drinks V. Carbone Hospitality LLC Mastercard Wanderlust Voyages Mark Moriarty, Executive Director Morocco National Tourist Wee Burn Country Club STAFF: Christy Miller, Director of Development Office The Windham Club Ilona Emmerth, Director of Strategic Partnerships Mark Murnane, Program Director Coleman Davis, Director of Instruction Tim Swensen, Partnerships Coordinator Taylor Januario, Assistant Program Director Marie Bernatchez, Administrative Associate
First Tee – Connecticut • Annual Report 2020 • 15 Non-Profit Org Life Lessons U.S. Postage Nine Core Values connecticut PAID Courtesy 55 Golf Club Road Permit No. 1847 Cromwell, CT 06416 HARTFORD, CT Honesty firstteeconnecticut.org Respect Integrity Perseverance Responsibility Sportsmanship Judgment Confidence
Design and Layout by Chris Bonito, 2020 Media • Photography by Keith Griffin
Every dollar donated to First Tee – Connecticut during the 2021 Birdies for Charity campaign during the Travelers Championship will receive a 15% bonus! To contribute visit travelerschampionship.com/ birdies–for–charity/ and select First Tee – Connecticut as your charity in the drop down menu or scan the QR code below from now through June 27!
Wishing Coleman Davis, Director of Instruction at Fairchild Wheeler in Bridgeport for the past 12 years, all the 16 • First Tee – Connecticut • Annual Report 2020 best as he pursues his next chapter.