Putt for Promise Supports Youth Development Programs
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta golf tournament raises $50,000September 9, 2009
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA), a youth development program for disadvantaged children and teens, hosted its Putt for Promise golf tournament on Aug. 24 at the Golf Club of Georgia.
As the inaugural year, BGCMA’s Putt for Promise tournament (see photos) welcomed nearly 200 players who raised $50,000 to benefit Passport to Manhood and Smart Girls, programs that promote leadership, good character and healthy life choices.
The event was different from other golf tournaments hosted by BGCMA because it featured a simultaneous men's and women's competition on separate courses.
The event culminated with an outdoor reception on the greens, awarding both the top men and women teams’ first place. The top two teams competed in a chip-off event, where the men’s team took the win. All winners received framed children’s artwork, and the top men’s team will have their name engraved on a new crystal Putt for Promise award that resides in the central office for BGCMA. Each year, the winning team members’ names will be added to the trophy.
BGCMA supporters Terri Kight and Mark Johnson co-chaired this year’s Putt for Promise tournament and spearheaded all aspects of the tournament, from planning to fundraising.
Oskar Kigelman, BGCMA 2008 Youth of the Year and current freshman at Georgia State University, spoke to the players and shared his story about the Club and the Passport to Manhood program that helped shape his life. Marion Fowler, 2008 Youth of the Year finalist and current freshman at Albany State University, also shared her personal story about growing up in the Club and talked about the Smart Girls Program and the leadership skills she acquired through her participation.
The Putt for Promise tournament Gold sponsors included the Gugliotta Family Foundation, Inc., Thunder Bay and The Coca-Cola Company.
Next year’s Putt for Promise golf tournament location and date will be announced soon.
ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF METRO ATLANTA
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta operates 29 Clubs in 13 metro counties in addition to Camp Kiwanis and Youth Art Connection, a gallery and workspace for young artists. A trained and professional staff serves more than 17,000 youth annually by offering specialized programming and a safe haven for at-risk and underprivileged children and teens. Memberships cost only $35 per school year but scholarships are available for those who need assistance. For more information or to make a promise to metro Atlanta children, please visit http://www.bgcma.orgContact: Alicia Burroughs, aburroughs@bgcma.org, 404-527-7586
