TEE UP FOR THE GIRLS

CHARISM is a local non-profit neighborhood program designed to provide support to at risk youth and families. On August 28, a pleasant, sunny summer morning, 38 golfers joined together at Osgood Golf Course for a tournament to raise money and awareness for CHARISM.

The Tee Up for the Girls tournament was specifically designed to support CHARISM’s FACES project which is offered at Carl Ben Eielson and Discovery Schools in Fargo, reaching middle school girls through a 25-week mentoring program. The goal of the program is to encourage these young women to recognize that beauty comes from the inside. Through conversations about self-worth, healthy friendships and relationships, good character, making positive decisions and social issues that they might encounter, these young women are inspired to dream and plan for a positive future. In addition to learning about valuing and taking care of themselves, they also develop skills for reaching out to their family and friends, and the larger community through volunteer projects.

During the Tee Up tournament, not only did the golfers enjoy a beautiful day of golf and fun camaraderie, they were reminded about the purpose of their project with inspiring signs at each hole. Questions such as “Do you remember a time when it was difficult to stick up for yourself or others during middle school?” or “Do you remember who taught you about honesty?” encouraged the golfers to have meaningful conversations.

According to Julie Gunkelman, executive director of CHARISM, “Our first Tee Up event was successful and we look forward to growing even bigger next year.” [AWM]