Supporting Youth Development Through Golf
Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced over 7.6 million youth to the game of golf and development opportunities via programming that supports its Nine Core Values: Honestly, Respect, Integrity, Perseverance, Confidence, Courtesy, Sportsmanship, Responsibility, and Judgement.
The First Tee Chapter of Omaha, Nebraska (with the Hogan’s Junior Golf Heroes Foundation 501(c)(3) as its founding entity) serves over 7,000 youth year-round in Douglas and Sarpy counties, and approximately 900 through its summer programs.
The Dormie Network Foundation partnered with First Tee – Omaha starting in 2020, with donation of a one-year membership package for auction and support through proceeds of the ArborLinks Dormie Day of Giving.
Through the partnership, First Tee – Omaha realized over $23,000 in financial donations, nearly 9% of its total revenue generated for the year.
“The unbelievable financial impact we have realized as a result of the generous contributions the Dormie Network Foundation made is beyond belief and has set a very high bar,” said Jeff Porter, Executive Director of First Tee – Omaha. “To be associated with the Dormie Network significantly enhances our credibility to our donors, and their mindset and commitment to support is very welcome.”
These funds help support coach recruitment and promotion of programming. Over the past three years, ratio of youth to coaches has gone from 15-1 to 6-1, with a goal of getting as close to 1-1 as possible.
“We recruit role models and if they know something about golf, that’s even better,” said Jeff. With approximately 75 youth development programs in Omaha working toward similar goals, building cross-organizational relationships has been even more important during the past 18 months, when some groups have shut down or limited programming. By partnering with Girls Inc. of Omaha, Jesuit Academy, and other local NPOs, “we can double the chances to be successful.”
“I tell parents we’re your best friend because we’re about golf just as much as life skills, and we’re affirming what you’re teaching your son or daughter,” said Jeff. “How important is perseverance, sportsmanship, or responsibility? To support their growth through the Nine Core Values is very fulfilling because we’re caring for tomorrow’s leaders.”
The First Tee’s Mission Statement: Through the game of golf, we impact the lives of young people by instilling life-enhancing values through education centered around our strong commitment and emphasis of our Nine Core Values and Nine Healthy Habits that champion Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Learn more about The First Tee or the Dormie Network Foundation.
