NEWBURGH HEIGHTS, Ohio — When I was a kid in Cleveland, my favorite baseball player to watch at the old Municipal Stadium was Andre Thornton.
Imagine how thrilling it was last year to be by his side when I emceed the fundraising event for the organization he founded.
On Wednesday, Oct. 23, I will be back on stage to support First Tee Cleveland as they continue to impact local kids and teens through the game of golf.
For over 20 years, First Tee Cleveland has taught kids the basics of golf and its etiquette, but it goes well beyond that. According to First Tee Cleveland's Associate Director Brian McFarland, they're learning life skills while building confidence.
“It's about the inherent values and the key commitments that are wrapped in the game of golf where kids can learn how to be a great teammate, how to persevere through challenges, how to set and achieve goals and how to appreciate others, to make sure that they have the skills necessary to be a great person, to be a great student, to be a great family member and to be a great community member,” said McFarland.
In the greater Cleveland community, more than 20,000 kids and teens ages 6-18 benefit from multiple First Tee programs.
“We want all kids to come and embrace our program because golf is for everybody. and we want to make sure that you have those fun experiences so that you can take these skills in these values and apply them in your everyday life," said McFarland
13-year-old Lucy Garland from Cleveland agrees.
“I think it mixes the fun with the manners and the structure, which sets you up for a great life because you not only enjoy what you're doing, you also taught life skills, but which will last a lifetime.”
“It helps you with your life after you're done with golf. It teaches you not to get angry, but also to be happy,” said Victor Lane, a 10-year-old from Cleveland.
The organization is beyond thrilled after the opening of the Woodworth activity center this past May in partnership with Cleveland Metroparks. The new center is a reimagined 12,000-square-foot building that allows for year-round programs.
“They need a place that they can come feel like it's their home, feel like they're cared for,” said Executive Director Pat LoPresti
First Tee has also started a culinary program and has plans to help even more kids in the future.
The 13th annual Grit, Gratitude and You will be held at Windows on the River from 7:30-9 a.m. on Oct. 23.
More information on the event can be found HERE.