Annual Progress Report, 2021
Building a Better Future PGA REACH Philadelphia is leveraging the golf industry's recent boom to positively impact the lives of youth, veteran, and diverse golfers
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Contents
Annual Progress Report, 2021 3 Our Foundation 4 From the Director's Desk 5 Taking the Reigns: Board Changes 6 Class is in Session: Golf in Schools 7 Back in a Big Way: PGA Jr. League 8 PGA HOPE Philadelphia 10 Committed to Diversity & Inclusion 11 Diversity Scholarships REACH More Than Ever 12 Big at Bidermann: Pro-Am 14 Marathon a Boon to Foundation 17 Partners Step Up 19 Our Partners and Supporters Photography: Darren Carroll/PGA of America; Montana Pritchard/PGA of America; Matt Frey, PGA/Philadelphia PGA Section
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Contents
Founded in 2018, PGA REACH Philadelphia is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable arm of the Philadelphia PGA Section, one of the 41 geographical PGA of America Sections, and encompassing Eastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, Delaware, and Northeastern Maryland. PGA REACH Philadelphia's mission is to positively impact communities and enrich lives through the game of golf by supporting and delivering programs that focus on personal development and sportsmanship with an emphasis on three core pillars: Youth, Military, and Diversity.
Our Mission
PGA REACH Philadelphia
1009 Penllyn Pike, Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. 19002 PGAREACHPhiladelphia.com (215) 886-7742
Board of Directors Karen Batchelder Senior Finance Professional
Joseph W. "Chip" Marshall III Stevens & Lee Law Firm
Harry Hammond, PGA Honorary Chair; Penn Oaks Golf Club
Jeffrey P. McFadden The Union League of Philadelphia
Graham Bachman Pennington Partners & Co. John Blaskovich MedEast Solutions Limited Inc. Laura Hammond Women's Golf Association of Philadelphia Gregory D. Marks Independence Realty Trust
Krista Mitzak Philanthropist Robert Moses American Packaging Charles L. Nelson, MD Penn Medicine Algot “Al” Thorell Spring Garden Lending LLC
PGA Professional Committee Chair, 2022: Dustin McCormick, PGA Chair, 2021: Robert Hennefer, PGA Sam Ambrose, PGA Jeffrey Breiner, PGA John Carpineta, PGA Gerry Davis, PGA Jason Lamp, PGA
Bob Lennon, PGA Michael Little, PGA Kyle Monahan, PGA Dan Mrozinski, PGA Scott Reilly, PGA Jenna Soranno, PGA Steve Wager, PGA
Staff
Executive Director: Assistant Executive Director: Foundation Director: Foundation Coordinator: PGA WORKS Fellow: Communications Director: Tournament Director: Member Services Administrator: Junior Tour Director: Tournament Coordinator:
Geoffrey Surrette, PGA Barbara Creveling Courtney Curcio Gervon Williams Erin Martin Matt Frey, PGA Brian Schulte, PGA Sue Unger Leilyn Nowaczynski Josh Monkres
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From the Director's Desk
Strengthening an Already Strong Foundation
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he support and awareness PGA REACH Philadelphia received this past year was incredible after a year of unknown. As we continue to manage a global pandemic, the golf industry has unified and has become stronger than ever by reintroducing programs and initiatives that contributed to the growth of the game and now the industry is positioned the best it’s ever been. Every one of our supporters have helped in countless forms through financial support, unique fundraisers, volunteering at our programming, or providing brand awareness locally. As an industry, we will continue to subsidize the growth of golf by building off the significant increase in realization of how great the game is, and the impact golf can make on someone’s life. Some highlights from the past year included our second annual PGA REACH Philadelphia ProAm Championship, an event that has become our largest fundraiser to support programs initiatives for youth, military and diverse groups in our area. We were able to resume and see numbers increase at all our PGA HOPE Philadelphia clinics for military veterans, restart our Golf in Schools program in local schools, provide PGA Jr. League and Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarships, while also supplying grants to local nonprofits who are helping our mission of growing the
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game of golf in the community. I extend my sincerest graditude to Leila Mackie, PGA, our first and former director, for her mentorship, which prepared me for this new role. We wish you nothing but the best in your new position with the PGA of America. Our annual progress report this year capitalizes on the initiatives we have made this year and what we are planning on accomplishing in the years to come with your investment. Without the support from individuals and organizations like you our efforts to positively impact lives would not be possible. As we look towards a bright future in the game of golf we hope that you see the impact you can make by supporting our mission at PGA REACH Philadelphia. Sincerely,
Courtney Curcio Director PGA REACH Philadelphia
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Board of Directors
Playing Opportunities for Veterans PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the PGA of America’s flagship program for military veterans where PGA Professionals provide free weekly golf clinics to veterans to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being for five weeks. Entering 2020, the PGA HOPE Philadelphia program added two new chapters (at Union League National G.C. in New Jersey and and Frog Hollow G.C. in Delaware to bring the foundation’s total chapters to five, joining the C.C. of Harrisburg, Bensalem Township C.C. and Indian Spring C.C. These five chapters reached 300 veterans in 2019. Similar to their PGA Jr. League decision, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the PGA of America to cancel PGA HOPE clinics in 2020 to protect our veterans, many of whom are at higher risk to the coronavirus. While PGA REACH Philadelphia held no PGA HOPE clinics in 2020, the foundation did organize several play days to keep veterans safely engaged with the game of golf. To help with this initiative, XXX and XXX hosted X 9-hole events for XX veterans. As COVID-19 vaccines are administered, PGA REACH Philadelphia plans to host PGA HOPE Philadelphia clinics in 2021 with additional safety protocols in place.
Taking the Reins
K
aren Batchelder, a Senior Finance Professional in Philadelphia, Pa., has assumed the role of Chair on PGA REACH Philadelphia's Board of Directors. Batchelder fills the vacancy of Harry Hammond, PGA, following the conclusion of his term. Hammond, the recipient of the 2012 PGA of America Bill Strausbaugh Award for mentoring, has been a PGA Member for nearly 60 years, is currently the PGA Director of Golf at Penn Oaks G.C. in West Chester, Pa., and has served the Section in various capacities, including a term as president. Hammond was instrumental in helping launch PGA REACH Philadelphia in 2018 and build it into the foundation it is today. While Hammond is stepping away from his duties as Chair, his expertise and connections will not go unused as he transitions to the role of the board's Honorary Chair. •
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Youth Pillar
Class is in Session!
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GA REACH Philadelphia's successful Golf in Schools program returned from its pandemic-induced hiatus last season. The program now includes 50 schools, representing over 3,500 students, and is designed to introduce kids to the game of golf as well as the mental and physical health benefits the sport provides. The program's curriculum was developed by PGA Professionals and is designed to teach students via their school's physical education classes. •
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Youth Pillar
Back in a Big Way
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ollowing the cancellation of the official 2020 season and postseason due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, PGA Jr. League was back in a big way in 2021. With league participation nearly at pre-pandemic levels, PGA REACH Philadelphia is leveraging golf 's recent boom in popularity to further grow this popular program. Additionally, the foundation provided scholarships to fund the First Tee of Philadelphia's PGA Jr. League teams to ensure youth golfers in need of financial or access assistance receive competitive opportunities throughout the golf season, as well as the chance to compete in the National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship. •
2021 PGA Jr. League By the Numbers
39 scholarships 100 captains 121 teams 1,600+competiors Steve Wager, PGA, led Penn State to victory in the 2021 National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Philadelphia Section Championship at Blue Bell C.C. to advance to the Regional Championship. The Delaware 17u All-Star team, led by Bob Rementer, PGA, also advanced.
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Military Pillar
About PGA HOPE Philadelphia
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GA HOPE Philadelphia (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the foundation's flagship military program. PGA HOPE introduces golf to veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. The program introduces the game of golf through a developmental 6-8 week curriculum, taught by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. Our foundation also launched a golf job board for veterans in 2021. PGA HOPE is funded and supplemented by PGA REACH, so the cost of programming is free to all veterans. •
PGA HOPE Philadelphia's Chapters
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Military Pillar
PGA HOPE Philadelphia Graduatates
150+ 400+
graduates in 2021 graduates since 2015
Ortiz Selected as PGA HOPE Philadelphia Ambassador
G
erry Ortiz, representing PGA HOPE Philadelphia's Harrisburg Chapter, was selected to serve as the program's ambassador to PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week. The 2021 event was hosted at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md., and provides aunique opportunity for veterans who possess the motivation to excel in their personal rehabilitation journey and represent their local PGA HOPE community on a national level. Ortiz received a tool kit of new skills focused on advanced golf instruction and impactful wellness training, and has been working to help foster the game of golf through the PGA HOPE Philadelphia program. • Wilson Sporting Goods is a proud partner of PGA HOPE Philadelphia
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Diversity Pillar
Committed to Diversity & Inclusion
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GA REACH Philadelphia recognizes diversity and inclusion’s importance to our society and our foundation’s goal to help golfers from diverse populations and marginalized communities to improve their lives. The foundation built upon its existing diversity programs by expanding its Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarship recipients to 11, including five new for 2021; working with additional PGA Professionals for its Diversity Scholarship mentor program; and parterning with the Philadelphia Cricket Club's 1854 Foundation to provide our scholarship recipients with new golf equipment and exciting playing opportunities. •
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Diversity Pillar
Diversity Scholarships REACH More Than Ever Sophia Blair Williamstown, N.J.
Hannah Kopac State College, Pa.
Gabriella Magno Delran, N.J.
Isabella Magno Delran, N.J.
Kasim Narinesingh-Smith Kennett Square, Pa.
Scan to learn more about each 2021 Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour Diversity Scholarship Recipient: PGAREACHPhiladelphia.com PGAREACHPhiladelphia.com
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Annual Pro-Am
Big at Bidermann
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n July 26, 2021, PGA REACH Philadelphia raised over $50,000 from its second annual PGA REACH Philadelphia Pro-Am Championship, which was held at Bidermann Golf Club in Wilmington, Del., and featured a sold-out field of 152 players. A portion of the money raised during the pro-am came from our online auction. The Springhaven Club's Ben Debski, PGA, led his team of amateur partners, Tim Dormer, Steve Conron Sr., and Steve Conron Jr. finished at 15-under-par, with a team score of 57 in the one net best ball format. The 2022 pro-am is scheduled for October 11 to he held on the Philadelphia Cricket Club's Wissahickon course. •
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Annual Pro-Am
2022 Pro-Am Premier Partner
Presenting Partners Scott & Karen Hutchinson
Supporting Partners American Floors Deal of the Day Inc. Exelon Corporation Golf Genius Software Ohana Farm LLC Tito's Handmade Vodka Trinity Flavors
William E. Howe & Co. Workhorse Brewing Co. Visit Delco, Pa. Corkcicle Bridgestone Golf Maui Jim
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Fundraising
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Fundraising
Marathon a Boon to Foundation
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GA REACH Philadelphia’s annual 100Hole Golf Marathon initiative engages its own foundation staff, Section PGA PGA Professionals, and local golfers alike to help raise funds for the foundation’s programming. Participants secure donations based on a dollar amount per each hole of golf played, with the ultimate goal of completing 100 holes of golf in one day. In 2021, the PGA Professional staffs from Galloway National G.C., Gulph Mills G.C., Philadelphia C.C., and Philmont C.C. were joined by PGA REACH Philadelphia staffers, friends and families to raise over $37,000 from over 200 individual donors.•
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Fundraising
Partners Step Up
P
GA REACH Philadelphia is fortunate to have partnered with several companies, organizations, and facilities who support our mission to positively impact lives through golf. In 2021, a few partners stepped up to fundraise for the foundation in addition to their annual investments. The Union League of Philadelphia hosted a Member-Veteran golf tournament at their Liberty Hill campus, raising nearly $10,000 for PGA HOPE Philadelphia. Trinity Flavors donated $1,000 directly from their sales in the Philadelphia PGA Section, where the Workhorse Brewing Company / Workhorse Tour contributed nearly $1,000 from sales in their King of Prussia tap rooom, while PGA Member Andrew Geesey used Regents' Glen C.C.'s annual car show (pictured) to raise over $2,700 for the foundation. These boosts in revenue go a long way to improve and expand our programming. •
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Fundraising
The Union League of Phildelphia
Trinity Flavors
Workhorse Brewing Company / Workhorse Tour PGAREACHPhiladelphia.com PGAREACHPhiladelphia.com
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Support
Supporters Trustee Level ($10,000 and up) Scott & Karen Hutchinson
The Union League of Philadelphia
Champion Level ($5,000 - $9,999) The 1854 Foundation Eiger Marketing Fifth Generation Inc.
Conrad Radcliffe Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board
The Commonwealth National Foundation Krista & Jeffrey Mitzak
Tim Sweeney The Vin Vu Foundation
Ambassador Level ($2,500 - $4,999)
Partner Level ($1,000 - $2,499) Carl & Ellen Berlinger Blue Bell C.C. Fairways Insurance Services Gregory Marks Jeffrey & Julia McFadden Galloway National G.C.
Player Level
Gold Bond Inc. Ship Sticks Regents' Glen C.C. Chris Thompson Raymond Walheim
($500 - $999)
Graham Bachman Karen Batchelder John Blaskovich Berkshire C.C. William & Laura Buck Tony DiRienzo John & Elisa Dearhouse Doyle Michael Gambone
Harry Hammond, PGA Jeff Kiddie, PGA James MacFarlane, PGA Makefield Highlands G.C. Greg Marks Chip Marshall Rich McMenamin Stephen Mihaich Priority One Mktg. Group
Sandra Shand Louis Simone Al Thorell Karen Twait Vanguard Charitable David Williams Michael Zisman
Brian Andrews Mark Betlow Joanne Bidwell John Borneman Charlie Bowman Michael Bowman Sean Boyle Andrew Bradford, PGA Chris Bradley Rich Brezski John Burke Patrick Butkus, PGA Michael Caldwell, PGA John Capriotti John Carpineta, PGA Tom Carpus, PGA Steven Chalmers, PGA
Arlene Cherwien Peter Clarke, PGA John Cooper, PGA James Coughlin Tom Crawford Steve Danch Ben Debski, PGA J.R. Delich, PGA Rich Doane Bob Dougherty Tom Duetsch, PGA Kevin Duffy, PGA John Dunigan, PGA Kyle Early, PGA Fairways Insurance Services Gregory Farrow, PGA Jeffrey Fick, PGA
Tom Gaffney Ralph Gambone Chris Gardner, PGA Jason Gebhart, PGA Gebroe Family Foundation Andrew Geesey, PGA Ned Graham Christopher Gray Great Golf Resorts of the World Inc. Jim Greenhalgh Kenneth Green Ashley Grier, PGA Gavin Grimes Michael Grimes Russell Harbold, PGA Steve Hersh
Supporter Level (up to $499)
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Support
Nick Iacono, PGA Stu Ingraham, PGA Eric Kennedy, PGA Wendy Kennedy Barbara Kent Curtis Kirkpatrick, PGA Alexander Knoll, PGA Bernard Labencki Lauren Larason Chuck Lawson Joe Lennert Bob Lennon, PGA Andy Lisicky Pete & Denise Luellen Alan Majewski Abby Mann, PGA Jake Markezin Harry Martin Sara Matts Dustin McCormick, PGA Dave McNabb, PGA Eric McNamee, PGA Francis Melroy John Mihalik Art Miller Millville Board of Education Gavin Mlinar Mike Molino, PGA
Anthony Napoletano, PGA Dan O'Donnell Judy Owens Dave Pagett, PGA Jeanne Palladino James Parella, PGA Carlisle Peet Jack Peet Teresa Kay Perfetto Sandra Perreault Chris Perrucci Eric Pevoto, PGA John Pillar, PGA Parks Price, PGA Melana Regan Patrick Sams Becky Sanderson Christian Scheller Joe Scott Ross Seaman, PGA Sandra Shand Jeff Shapiro Shoprite LPGA Classic Tom Smith Brad Sokol David Solacoff Geoffrey Surrette, PGA Jill Susi Stephen Swartz, PGA
Tom Swartz Tim Sweeney Johanna Tuleikis Andrew Turner, PGA Tony Tse Suzanne Unger John Urbanski Jim VanderWaal Brett Walker, PGA Dustin Wallis, PGA Andy Watters, PGA Justin Wilson Willard Woolbert
Club Association Allentown Municipal G.C. Applebrook G.C. Aronimink G.C. Atlantic City C.C. Bala G.C. Ballamor G.C. Ben Debski Bent Creek C.C. Blue Bell C.C. The Bucks Club Cedarbrook C.C. Commonwealth National G.C. C.C. of Harrisburg Cumberland G.C. Dauphin Highlands G.C. Delcastle G.C. Doylestown C.C. Ed Oliver G.C. Elkview C.C. Elmhurst C.C.
First Tee of Greater Philadelphia Five Ponds G.C. Galloway National G.C. The Greens at Broadview Green Valley C.C. Hartefeld National G.C. Hickory Valley G.C. Honey Run G.C. Honeybrook G.C. Huntsville G.C. Indian Spring C.C. Jeffersonville C.C. Kennett Square Golf & C.C. Kimberton G.C. Kings Creek C.C. Makefield Highlands G.C. McCullough's Emerald Golf Links Medford Village C.C.
Merion G.C. Neshaminy Valley G.C. Newark C.C. Northampton C.C. Overbrook G.C. Penn Oaks G.C. Pennsauken C.C. Philadelphia C.C. Philadelphia Cricket Club Phoenixville C.C. Pickering Valley G.C. The Pines at Clermont G.C. Radley Run C.C. Ramblewood C.C. Rich Maiden G.C. Riverton C.C. Schuylkill C.C. Seaview Golf Resort Skippack G.C. Southmoore G.C. Spirit Golf Management
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Oxford Valley G.C. St. Davids G.C. Stonehedge C.C. Stonewall Links Sunset G.C. Trump National G.C. Philadelphia The Union League G.C. at Torresdale Union League National G.C. Valley C.C. Vicmead Hunt Club Waynesboro C.C. White Clay Creek C.C. White Deer G.C. Wilmington C.C. Woodcrest C.C.
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1009 Penllyn Pike, Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. 19002 PGAREACHPhiladelphia.com (215) 886-7742