Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
First Tee rebrands, offers more
Fundraisers announce honorees
First Tee - Northwest Arkansas announced its rebranding this week, the first in the national youth development nonprofit organization’s 23-year history. The updated brand came about to help the group “better serve kids and address the growing pressures they face.”
Randy Hurban, CEO, says First Tee - Northwest Arkansas “has always been about helping kids navigate challenges and to grow stronger as they move through them. We still believe the game of golf is the perfect platform for personal growth. We are excited to bring forward a powerful mission and a modern look and feel in everything we do.”
Hurban adds that the local chapter has been creating experiences that build character for 15 years.
The group played host to its inaugural Adult/Child Scramble on Aug. 29 on its recently completed nine-hole, child-friendly, walkable course in Lowell.
Holes average 100 yards and are named for the core values the youth organization teaches: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment.
Leaders of the nonprofit organization recently announced the new “Character Development Mobile Unit” that will enhance their golf and life skills training.
“This unit is the first of its kind, and will create opportunities for First Tee NWA to reach the underserved population of youth in Washington and Benton counties by taking our programming to them,” Hurban says. “This mobile unit will be equipped with the latest technology, golf equipment and much more. The programming offered will allow kids to experience the game of golf in nontraditional golf settings, while teaching our nine core values, life skills, social and emotional skills, financial literacy and character development. We are excited to bring on board Isaac Tellez to head up this new endeavor.”
Next up for the group is “A Fundraiser Fore Kids Unlike Any
Other” Nov. 15 at TopgolfNorthwest Arkansas in Rogers. Proceeds from the benefit will help support scholarships “that will give area kids a chance to learn valuable life skills and core values through the game of golf.” A reserved bay for six is $1,500, and corporate sponsorships are available for $3,000.
Congratulations to the 2020 National Philanthropy Day honorees recently announced by the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. This year’s honorees are:
• Northwest Arkansas Food Bank — Covid-19 Hero;
• The Schmieding Foundation — Lifetime Achievement;
• Unilever — Outstanding Corporation;
• Emily Ironside — Outstanding Fundraising Executive;
• Jane Hunt Meade — Outstanding Philanthropist;
• Mandy Macke — Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser;
• Northwest Arkansas Council — Special Judges Award; and
• Fayetteville High School Student Council — Youth in Philanthropy.
Local chapter leaders say, “We look forward to recognizing these amazing individuals and organizations at this year’s National Philanthropy Day on Nov. 18. More details to follow about the incredibly special virtual event!”