case for support

We're creating a safe and supportive space that will broaden access to game-changing opportunities and inspire young people to pursue their personal best.

Dear Friends,

First Tee – Greater Charleston is thriving. And now we have a unique opportunity to further our mission of cultivating future community leaders.

Fore the Kids will provide funding for a Youth Leadership Campus, which will serve as a gathering place where more kids can pursue dreams, build character, enhance social skills, and become productive members of the community.

The campaign will also ensure continued expansion of the Pathfinder Immersion Program, a golf and STEM enrichment experience that focuses on providing transformative, long-term mentorship and year-round education to kids from some of our most underserved neighborhoods.

We are committed to the success of this campaign and the game-changing opportunities it will provide for local youth. We invite you to join us.

In gratitude,

Jim Mackey
Campaign Chairman

Bucky Dudley, PGA
Chief Executive Officer

The Challenge

Today, we’re not effectively reaching parts of our community that would benefit from our programs.

While we’ve taken full advantage of the community facilities available to us:

  • Our reach is limited due to alack of space and complete reliance on partner schedules.

  • Underserved families live furthest from golf course locations and struggle with transportation.

  • .Demand for golf course programming exceeds supply (more than 300 waitlist families per year).

  • Networking and enrichment activities are frequently conducted outdoors and subject to weather.

The Opportunity

We’re building a state-of-the-art Youth Development Campus.

The campus will feature a nine-hole par 3 course, indoor and outdoor practice areas, flex space for educational enrichment activities, meal prep and dining areas, office space, and ample parking for our growing bus fleet. These versatile amenities will:

  • Create a supportive community for all program participants

  • Establish program autonomy by providing dedicated space for extracurricular education, student mentoring, and special events

  • Improve access for underserved families and neighboring schools by decreasing commute times and improving First Tee fleet logistics

  • Sustain program growth (more on-course play opportunities for more kids)

“[First Tee] taught my son a lot of real life things not just golf.”

Dominique E.
Program Parent

Get Involved

The joy of being outside on a beautiful day. The thrill of sinking a putt. The perseverance to keep going when things aren’t going your way... you can help create these experiences for Charleston Area young people. With your financial support, we will build a state-of-the-art campus that brings golf to life and creates generational impact by inspiring future community leaders.

Together, we can stoke a passion that connects more kids to what’s possible–on the golf course and beyond

Donate

“First Tee has helped me grow by just giving me more opportunities.”

Kareema H.
Program Participant