RICHMOND TWP., Pa. – Golfers are putting their skills and endurance to the test all for a good cause in Berks County.
69 News Reporter Sydney Kay was in Richmond Township on the green with one local non-profit’s event kick off.
The Summer Solstice 100-Hole Golf Marathon, which will benefit First Tee Lehigh Valley and Berks, tees off Monday at the Moselem Springs Golf Club.
On its website, First Tee says it empowers kids and teens through golf.
As part of the Dawn to Dusk golf challenge, golfers will play up to 100 holes in one day. The event begins with a Shotgun start at dawn, and the goal is to play 100 holes before sunset, according to the event Facebook page.
Groups of two will participate in the golf challenge.
Each golfer commits to raising $1,100 in sponsorships but can do that in different ways. People can ask friends, family, and businesses to pledge a certain amount of money per hole, or secure flat donations to reach the goal, the event Facebook page says.
Moselem Springs Golf Club General Manager Chris Wegner told Reporter Sydney Kay said he’s been involved with First Tee before. He said his club wants to give back, and he wants to get golfers playing and growing.
“This is great for youth golf,” he said.
First Tee Lehigh Valley and Berks Board Chair Brian Farrell surprised a Kutztown University student with a $2,000 scholarship…on air! The Summer Solstice 100-Hole Golf Marathon, which will benefit First Tee Lehigh Valley and Berks, tees off Monday at the Moselem Springs Golf Club.
Bob Schermerhorn, Board Member and Event Organizer of First Tee LV, said the organization helps kids ages 7 to 15 learn life skills, and uses golf as a vehicle to teach them confidence and perseverance.
Schermerhorn said it’s nice to see kids embrace the game.
“We’re here to kind of build our new leaders,” he said.
Luke Smith, Executive Director of First Tee Lehigh Valley and Berks, said organizers want to make sure golfers feel accomplished at the end of the day. He said the event just started this year.
He said he grew up with golf, and it’s taught him so many lessons, and has introduced him to a lot of great people.
First Tee Lehigh Valley and Berks Board Chair Brian Farrell said he’s been involved with the organization for 10 years. They’ve never turned a kid away because they didn’t have the financial means to participate, he said. Funds raised Monday will help defray the costs for those kids, he said.
Farrell was with Abby McCaffery, participant and coach with First Tee Lehigh Valley and Berks. He surprised her with a $2,000 scholarship!
Just over $23,000 has been raised so far, with a goal of $25,000. Individuals and companies have donated.
To donate to First Tee, you can head here.