PGA REACH COLORADO FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Positively Impacting Lives Through the Game of Golf
Contents About Us Letter From the CEO Trustees and Staff By the Numbers: REACH & Impact Youth Pillar Military Pillar Inclusion Pillar Impact by Pillar Scholarships Grants Play Yellow REACH Invitational Looking Ahead to 2024 A Thank You Note Contact & Socials
MISSION STATEMENT POSITIVELY Impacting lives through the game of golf
About PGA REACH Colorado
"Making a positive difference in the lives of others through the game of golf" PGA REACH Colorado works daily to support over 850 Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals and local organizations to make a difference in our communities. Programming tries to ensure that regardless of age or background, WE TRY TO ENSURE the cost will never inhibit one's involvement and enjoyment of the game of golf.“
Three Pillar Approach
Youth
Military
Inclusion
Steven Bartkowski - CEO/Executive Director
Foundation Board of Directors
Michael O’Donnell, PGA - Board Chair Jim Miller, PGA - Vice President Cathy Matthews- Kane, PGA - Treasurer Jim Hajek, PGA - Secretary Kyle Heyen, PGA - Director Barry Milstead, PGA - Director Mark Pfingston, PGA - Director Ty Thompson, PGA - Director Scott Walter, PGA - Director
Letter from the CEO Dear PGA REACH Colorado Community, As we share this annual report, it is with a profound sense of gratitude and accomplishment that we reflect on the journey of the past year. Our shared commitment to Positively Impacting Lives Through the Game of Golf has driven us to new heights, and the impact we've made together is a testament to the collective strength of our community. As the CEO/Executive Director of PGA REACH Colorado, I am honored to lead a team that continually creates opportunities to effect positive change. It has been my utmost pleasure to work hand-in-hand with our PGA REACH Colorado Trustee Chairman, Spencer Zinn, as he continues to empower and inspire the 28 PGA REACH Colorado Trustees who lead the charge when it comes to positive impact. Throughout the year, our collaborative efforts have translated into over 15,000 lives touched through programming and initiatives under our three Pillars - Youth, Military, and DE&I. Each statistic is a story—an individual life saved through PGA HOPE, a community uplifted by programs we support like Fearless Golf, and a beacon of hope kindled through our initiative to get clubs into the hands of kids through the Play Golf Grants. These stories, collectively, form the narrative of our shared impact. One of the highlights of the past year has been our growth in impact through PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) and the release of our new Junior Golf Player Pathway. The growth seen in these two pillars not only underscores our commitment to our mission but also sustainable approaches that define our foundation's work. Together, we have demonstrated that positive change through growth is not just a lofty ideal but an achievable reality. Our foundation's success is a collective achievement—a group of diverse voices, talents, and perspectives working in harmony toward a common goal. I extend my deepest appreciation to our PGA of America Golf Professionals, Trustees, Board, Staff, Donors, Partners, and Volunteers for their unwavering support and commitment. Your contributions are the driving force behind our accomplishments. Thank you for being an integral part of the PGA REACH Colorado family. Sincerely, Steven Bartkowski CEO/Executive Director Colorado PGA & PGA REACH Colorado
Meet Our Foundation Trustees
Spencer Zinn REACH Chairman Chief Commercial Officer, West Edge
John Andrew Retired Brigadier General USAF
Tom Baurle Owner Colorado Golf and Turf
Dan Bennett Investor/Partner Southwest Greens Mgmt
Anne Broholm CEO AHEAD
Barbara Faulkenberry Independent Director Callon Petro/USA Truck Cheyenne Mountain Dental Retired-Major General USAF
Dr. Stephen Davis Owner
Dr. Phil Brown President/Founder Six Points Consulting
Michael Connolly Retired
Walter Glover CFO US Olympic Endowment
Theo Gregory Director of Foundation & Sponsorship Relations Colo Springs Sports Corporation
Bill Keller Retired Lt. Colonel USAF
Eric Kenealy Mackinaw Holding Corp. Chairman
Carl Lansing Attorney at Law Carl F. Lansing P.C.
Bob Lally Retired - Captain US Navy Chair - Chief of Staff
Zachary Ledvina Owner ZJL Golf Sales
Peter Maiurro Financial Advisor RBC Wealth Mgmt
Adam McDiarmid UMB Bank Regional Manager
Scott McGraw VP of Employee Benefits Cherry Creek Insurance
Tai Palacio Senior Associate Hogan Lovells US LLP
Hon. Sue Payton Financial Advisor RBC Wealth Mgmt
Rudy Rudolph Partner Eide Bailly
Ed Soriano Chief Executive Officer Soriano & Associate LLC Retired - Lt. General, US Army
Mike Talaga Fixed Income Analyst Janus Henderson Investors
Bill Vogeney Ent. Credit Union, Chief Revenue Officer
President & Chief Revenue Officer
Colonel
Michael Wamsganz Citywide Banks
Kari Coover Co-founder Profitlinks Golf
Meet Our Staff Staff Mission Steven Bartkowski
Annie O’Donnell
Holly Champion
CEO/Executive Director
Finance Manager
Education & Membership Director
Focused on creating memorable experiences in the game of golf for
Justin Limon
Erinn Lopez
Operations & Membership Senior Director
Business Development & Special Events Director
Sara Brown Administrative Assistant
those of all ages and backgrounds. And providing value to our
Scott Minta
Samantha Crawford
Peter Weisel
Tournament Director
Junior Golf Manager Cup Series
Player Engagement Director
PGA Professionals, Trustees, Donors, and Partners who make
Davyon Collins
Zach Kinmartin
Cameron Jones
Junior Golf Manager Development Series
Junior Golf Manager Junior Player Series
PGA Works Fellow
programming possible.
2023 PGA REACH Colorado By the Numbers
REACH & Fundraising 1 Foundation
15,000 + People Served Individuals Impacted
Serving Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota
2023 Fundraisers
BY THE NUMBERS WHO SUPPORTED REACH
IN 2023, OUR FUNDRAISING EVENTS NETTED $307,000 FOR PROGRAMMING
$234,500 from MORTGAGE-FREE HOME FOR A WOUNDED WAR HERO, IN COLLABORATION PGA REACH WITH THE MILITARY WARRIORS SUPPORT FOUNDATION. National
AND INITIATIVES. THE FUNDRAISERS ALSO HELPED TO SPONSOR OUR 10TH
$160,000 from Local Sponsors and Donors
Birdie Bash October 10, 2023
$65,000 RAISED
$8,000 RAISED!
$108,000 RAISED
$116,000
$10,000 RAISED!
RAISED
$100,000 + from PGA REACH Colorado Trustees and their network $32,000 from Colorado PGA Professional fundraising
IMPACT - YOUTH PILLAR The Youth Development Pillar of PGA REACH COLORADO seeks to improve and advance opportunities for youth. Introduction to the sport at an early age has proven to provide great opportunities in the areas of education, health and wellness, and character building.
2023 PGA REACH Colorado By the Numbers
Youth PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE PGA Jr. League is the flagship youth pillar program of PGA REACH Colorado. Through a team golf approach, we attempt to make golf accessible to all interested kids regardless of skill or finances.
BY THE NUMBERS
2,981
PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE REGISTRANTS COMPETED IN 2023
166 JUNIORS ACROSS THE COLORADO PGA RECEIVED $42k IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TEE IT UP IN PGAJL
75
COLORADO PGA FACILITIES HAD AT LEAST ONE PGAJL TEAM
78
COLORADO PGA OF AMERICA GOLF PROFESSIONAL COACHES
PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE SCHOLARSHIP FUND The PGA Jr League Scholarship Fund exists to provide children everywhere the opportunity to learn, play, and love the game of golf through PGAJL. Together we can remove barriers and open doors for families to create lasting memories on course.
2023 PGA REACH Colorado By the Numbers
Youth DRIVE, CHIP & PUTT Drive, Chip & Putt is a free junior golf development competition aimed at growing the game by focusing on these three fundamental skills. By tapping the creative and competitive spirit of girls and boys ages 7-15, Drive, Chip & Putt provides aspiring junior golfers an opportunity to play with their peers in qualifiers around the country. Participants who advance beyond a Regional Qualifier earn a place in the National Finals, which is conducted at Augusta National Golf Club the Sunday before the Masters Tournament.
BY THE NUMBERS
938
9
2
Juniors across the Colorado Section competed in a FREE DCP event
Local qualifiers held across the Colorado PGA Section
Local Sub-regional qualifiers held across the Colorado PGA Section
REGIONAL QUALIFIER AT CASTLE PINES GC Castle Pines Golf Club rolled out the red carpet for our Drive, Chip & Putt Regional Qualifier hosted in the Colorado Section. All 96 participants and their families experienced a BBQ Family Night in addition to the overall competition held on Sunday afternoon. George Solich, Drew Parr, PGA, and the Castle Pines staff gave everyone in attendance a weekend to remember. The below Colorado juniors qualified through Castle Pines to compete at Augusta National Golf Club in the 10th Annual Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals on April 7th, 2024
Simon White (Boys 14-15)
Sydney Liddell (Girls 7-9)
Landry Frost (Girls 14-15)
2023 PGA REACH Colorado By the Numbers
Youth GOLF IN SCHOOLS Golf in Schools is an introductory program at absolutely no cost to the students or the schools. The program, in partnership with the Colorado Open Golf Foundation and the El Pomar Foundation, helps to bring equipment, instruction, and life lessons to kids in school.
BY THE NUMBERS
6,117
YOUTH PICKED UP A CLUB IN A SCHOOL ACROSS THE COLORADO SECTION VIA GIS
24
SCHOOLS ACROSS THE COLORADO SECTION THAT CONDUCTED A GIS PROGRAM
14
COLORADO PGA OF AMERICA GOLF PROFESSIONALS THAT TAUGHT GIS PROGRAMS
30%
2,598
OF YOUTH THAT ENGAGED IN A GIS PROGRAM WERE ON A FREE LUNCH PROGRAM
Youth impacted by the First Tee of Green Valley Ranch
GOLF IN SCHOOLS 2.0 RELEASED IN 2023 In 2023, thanks to our partners, the Colorado Golf Open Foundation and the El Pomar Foundation, we released “GIS 2.0.” This new initiative, for the first time, provided the equipment and curriculum for the schools to keep in order to continue the sustainability of the program. This new 2.0 model allowed the reach of this program to go from under 3,000 kids impacted in 2022 to over 6,000 impacted in 2023.
2023 PGA REACH Colorado By the Numbers
Youth JUNIOR GOLF TOURS
We strive to provide opportunities to those juniors who possess the potential skill and aspirations to compete at the high school or collegiate level, in addition to those who are new to the game. We aim to utilize golf as a vehicle to instill values such as integrity, honor, and patience. Colorado PGA Junior Golf strives to foster and develop these values that will positively impact our members' character on and off the golf course.
BY THE NUMBERS
1,111
YOUTH THAT COMPETED IN ONE OR MORE OF THE LEVELS ACROSS THE COLORADO JUNIOR PATHWAY
$25K
IN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WAS AVAILABLE FOR ANY AND ALL KIDS WHO NEEDED GOLF CLUBS OR ASSISTANCE WITH ENTRY FEES INTO THE COLORADO PGA JUNIOR TOUR EVENTS
The NEW Player Pathway (pictured right) was created in 2023 by Colorado PGA Professionals to give players and parents of all skills and ages opportunities to enjoy the game at any level. The pathway follows the ADM (American Development Model) to ensure kids are starting at the correct level and not getting burned out along the way.
5,305
ROUNDS PLAYED BY JUNIORS ACROSS THE COLORADO PGA JUNIOR TOURS
91
OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDS TO TEE IT UP IN EVENTS ACROSS THE COLORADO SECTION
NEW PLAYER PATHWAY RELEASED IN 2023
Congratulations to our Graduating Junior Golfers!
Thank You to Our Junior Golf Partners!
IMPACT - MILITARY PILLAR The Supporting Our Military Pillar of PGA REACH Colorado seeks to improve the physical, mental, and social rehabilitation of our military heroes and their families through the game of golf.
2023 PGA REACH Colorado By the Numbers
Military PGA HOPE PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH Colorado. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being through the game of golf.
BY THE NUMBERS
405
$8,000
27
VETERANS SERVED THROUGH PGA HOPE
FUNDS RAISED IN THE COLORADO SECTION DURING THE NATIONAL DAY OF HOPE CAMPAIGN
ACTIVE CERTIFIED PGA HOPE INSTRUCTORS
16 HOSTING FACILITIES
The program introduces the game of golf through a developmental 6-8 week curriculum, taught and led by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency, and includes clubs and equipment, if needed, training aids, range balls, and weekly golf course access. All programs are funded by PGA REACH and supplemented by PGA Section Foundations, so the cost of programming is free to all Veterans.
PGA HOPE Colorado Ambassadors As Veterans of our country and PGA HOPE Colorado Graduates, Ambassadors Chris Cordova (left) and Jay Millar (right) were selected to represent PGA HOPE Colorado at the national level. During their time as Ambassadors, they’ve worked together to grow PGA HOPE and coordinate different golf events for Veterans such as the inaugural UMB Bank PGA HOPE Colorado Cup held on Sep. 25th of this year. “For me, and other combat Veteran golfers, the golf course is an outdoor place of peace and beauty that serves as a significant contrast to the combat we have endured. PGA HOPE provides that positive outlet with the added bonus of camaraderie with other veterans.” -Chris Cordova
2023 PGA HOPE Colorado Instructors
Daniel Ashley, PGA PGA HOPE Buffalo (WY) Buffalo Golf Club
PGA HOPE Denver/Aurora
Miles E. Hains, PGA PGA HOPE Lowry Experience Golf
Bill Hancock, PGA PGA HOPE Westminster/PXG Legacy Ridge Golf Course/
John J. Cassidy, PGA Wellshire Golf Course/ Murphy Creek Golf Course
Ryan Flamm, PGA PGA HOPE Eagle EagleVail Golf Club
Gil Garcia, PGA PGA HOPE Fort Carson Cheyenne Shadows GC
Robert Grall, PGA PGA HOPE PXG/Superior PXG Denver/Blue Sport Stable
Maggie Hartman, PGA PGA Lowry Experience Golf
Jon Husby, PGA PGA HOPE Woodland Park Shining Mountain Golf Club
John D. Jambor, PGA PGA HOPE Rapid City Golf Club at Red Rock
PXG Denver
Mark Kelbel, PGA PGA HOPE Air Force Academy Eisenhower Golf Club
Ken Krieger, PGA PGA HOPE Cheyenne Cheyenne Country Club
Jordan Leblanc, PGA PGA HOPE Commerce City Buffalo Run Golf Course
Larry N. Leeman, PGA PGA HOPE Denver Wellshire Golf Course
Leighton T. Smith, PGA PGA HOPE Colorado Springs Tribe Golf
Michael Lepore, PGA PGA HOPE Cheyenne
Tyler Lowry, PGA PGA HOPE Fort Carson Cheyenne Shadows GC
Kirk R. Mease, PGA PGA HOPE Denver/Aurora
Jamie Michas, PGA PGA HOPE Lowry Experience Golf
Devon J. Puleo, PGA PGA HOPE Denver Wellshire Golf Course
Paul J. Surniak, PGA PGA HOPE Fort Carson Cheyenne Shadows GC
Ty Thompson, PGA Visanu Tongwarin, PGA PGA Woodland Park PGA HOPE Westminster/Superior Legacy Ridge Golf Course/ Shining Mountain Golf Club
Cheyenne Country Club
Geoffrey J. Strasser, PGA PGA HOPE Denver/Aurora Wellshire Golf Course Murphy Creek Golf Course
Wellshire Golf Course/ Murphy Creek Golf Course
Blue Sport Stable
Jason Young, PGA PGA HOPE Rapid City Golf Club at Red Rock
William Veith, PGA PGA HOPE Larkspur Golf Club at Bear Dance
UMB Bank PGA HOPE Colorado Cup
Inaugural UMB Bank PGA HOPE Colorado Cup On September 25th, the beautiful Broadmoor Golf Club hosted the Inaugural PGA HOPE Colorado Cup - a new exclusive event provided by our local Foundation for Colorado PGA HOPE Instructors and Colorado PGA HOPE Graduates to play the Broadmoor West Golf Course. The event was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our local heroes who have graduated from our programs to play in a real competition on a top-class facility as well as network with other graduates across our Section. Commerce City’s team won and qualified for a chance to receive an all-expenses paid-for trip to the 2024 PGA HOPE Secretary's Cup, which will be held in Kentucky around the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club.
17 Teams
Over 85 Veterans
IMPACT - INCLUSION PILLAR Inclusion is a core value and focus of PGA REACH COLORADO, and we embrace the spirit of differences. We work each and every day at the Colorado PGA to have our commitment to inclusion resonate throughout the organization, the activities, programs, and business we conduct.
2023 PGA REACH Colorado By the Numbers
Inclusion PGA WORKS COLORADO FELLOWSHIP In 2023, the Colorado PGA named Cameron Jones the Foundation’s Third PGA WORKS Fellow. After graduating from Texas Tech School of Law, Cameron started his oneyear fellowship with the Foundation in late May. Since then, Cameron has been a wonderful asset, learning the ins and outs of our industry through junior golf events, PGA HOPE, Fundraisers, and Section Major Championships. PGA WORKS is a strategic initiative designed to diversify the golf industry’s workforce. The PGA WORKS Program aspires to be the most valuable entry-level opportunity for individuals to gain experience in all facets of the golf industry. As part of the mission of PGA WORKS, fellows are encouraged to continue their journey into a career in golf following their fellowship. The program has an 85% placement rating post-fellowship. The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation is excited to announce that another fully funded fellowship through the PGA of America will be offered in 2024. Where are they now? 2022 PGA Works Colorado Fellow - Elizabeth Whan (employed full-time with Vail Resorts) 2023 PGA Works Colorado Fellow - Davyon Collins (employed full-time with PGA REACH Colorado)
IMPACT REPORT A total of 18 PGA REACH Scholarships Awarded Total $21,000 TOTAL GRANTS GIVEN: $51,550
2023 PGA REACH COLORADO WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS: SARI SCHROCK
ABIGAIL NELSON “I’ve had an amazing time during my Fellowship with the Colorado PGA. I’ve learned so much about the game of golf from an organizational perspective of the highest degree. I never could’ve imagined that I’d have this opportunity in golf and I want to thank PGA Works for all they’ve given me!” -Cameron Jones
2023 PGA REACH Colorado By the Numbers
2023 PGA REACH Colorado Scholarship Winners The Colorado Section PGA Scholarship Program was established to provide college scholarships for children and grandchildren of PGA of America Golf Professionals in the Colorado Section. It is a merit-based scholarship program that takes into account both academic performance and participation in extracurricular activities. In 2023, there were 16 deserving students who met the academic requirements and who received $21,000 towards their secondary schooling from PGA REACH Colorado.
Tanner Ausec Tim Ausec, PGA
Jonathan Boyer Jeff Boyer, PGA
Emma Bryant Matt Bryant, PGA
Jennifer Gillotti Jeffrey Gillotti, PGA
Not Pictured
Kailyn Kinkennon William Martin, PGA
Audrey Poirot Chad Poirot, PGA
Taylor Linnemeyer Noah Montgomery Kellen O’Donnell Joe Linnemeyer, PGA Douglas Montgomery, PGA Mike O’Donnell, PGA
Jackson Puelo Devon Puleo, PGA
Lexi Putman Don Randall, PGA
Callie Rafferty Jeff Rafferty, PGA
Courtney Thompson Ty Thompson, PGA
Lily Wallace Glenn Wallace, PGA
Not Pictured
Timbre Shehee Trey & Terra Shehee, PGA
Jennifer Stewart Scott Stewart, PGA
2023 PGA REACH Colorado By the Numbers
Pillar Grants
225
349
19
Long-Term
Impacted
Impacted
Impacted
Impacted
Impacted
40
Impacted
3
Impacted
Impacted
20
140
Colorado PGA of America
Birdie Bash
Play Yellow Birdie Bash
October 10, 2023
Golf Professionals Raise $54,000 to Support Children’s Hospital
Highlight Video
The Colorado PGA, through its charitable arm PGA REACH Colorado Foundation, is excited to announce the inaugural Play Yellow Birdie Bash raised over $126,000 gross in support of Play Yellow, a program benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals). The funds raised specifically benefit CMN Hospitals in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and the surrounding areas as well as PGA REACH Colorado. Both foundations were given a check for $54,000 each.
Thank you to our 34 COPGA Professionals in attendance: Jeramy Curry & Ben Tremayne Mike Fengler & Cary Callihan Jim Miller & Killian Simpson Mark Avery & Jason Witczak Will Veith & Keith Stilwell Justin Limon & Peter Weisel Sam Crawford & Sirene Blair Brian Gott & Sean Knights Visanu Tongwarin & Rob Grall Joe Carlton & Brian Carlson Ben Honaman & Geoff Keffer Maggie Hartman & Ben Pennymon Andy Connell & Blake Kuzava Chris Hyten & Drew Parr Ryan Bakken & Chris Bowry Zach Peck & Adam Johnson Devin Pilkington & Tristan Goodwin
Thank You to all of our Colorado PGA Professionals, Partners, and our host site, The Ranch Country Club, for their contributions to the Play Yellow Birdie Bash!
2023 PGA REACH Colorado Invitational
2023 PGA REACH COLORADO INVITATIONAL RAISES RECORD $116K FOR PROGRAMMING!
$116,000 Raised
Tenth Set of Keys Donated to Retired U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Zachary Ruttman At this year's REACH Invitational, Stuart Bruening, PGA, was the inaugural recipient of the Game Changer Award, which recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond to ensure PGA REACH Colorado can execute its mission of Positively Impacting Lives Through the Game of Golf. Thanks to the partnership of the Military Warriors Support Foundation, PGA REACH Colorado was able to donate its tenth set of keys to a mortgage-free home to Retired U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Zachary Ruttman. With the help of our partner, Wilson Golf, Mr. Ruttman went home with the keys to a new home and a new set of Wilson golf clubs. But the generosity of our partners did not end there. Thanks to Maggie Bruening and Igor Vainshtein of SkyTrak and Joe Assell, PGA of GOLFTEC, Zachary's home will include a SkyTrak golf simulator and indoor hitting bay!
10th Mortgage Free Home for a Hero
2023 FOUNDATION PARTNERS
a division of HTLF Bank
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2024 As we look into 2024, PGA REACH Colorado hopes to achieve the following goals with your support! PGA HOPE - Serve over 800 heroes across Colorado, Eastern Wyoming, and South Dakota through PGA HOPE. Junior Golf Player Pathway - Continue to enhance the junior golf experience for all juniors who come through our pathway and provide more financial aid to those who may need it for access. REACH Invitational - Raise the funds to provide Our 11th Mortgage-Free Home to a Hero. Scholarships and Financial Aid - Provide Financial Aid for juniors to play junior golf events and provide scholarships for secondary schooling. Pillar Grants - Provide grants to PGA Professionals, facilities, and organizations that focus on growing the game of golf for youth, military, and diverse populations.
Thank you so much for your ongoing support as a Colorado PGA of America Golf Professional, PGA REACH Colorado Trustee, or Community Partner! We are not able to do what we do without your great support. We appreciate your continued endeavors to make a positive difference in the lives of others through the game of golf.
POSITIVELY IMPACTING LIVES THROUGH THE GAME OF GOLF "Making a positive difference in the lives of others through the game of golf." PGA REACH Colorado works daily to support over 850 Colorado PGA Professionals and local organizations to make a difference in our communities. Programming ensures that regardless of age or background, the cost will never inhibit one's involvement and enjoyment of the game of golf.“
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