SILVER FOILS SUPPORT INVALUABLE - First Tee

In June of 2007, Cole and I were married and that Christmas we received our first joint card from The Walker’s – Cole’s Aunt, Uncle and three cousins. This was no ordinary card, it was more like a family newsletter with ad space dedicated to highlight each member’s year, a few photos and then a little bit of space left over for general family commentary and well wishes. We are looking forward to receiving our 9^th card from the Walker’s in a few short weeks, in fact, we better make sure they have our new address! Anticipating their annual newsletter has allowed me to reflect on 2015 and contemplate what would go into a newsletter of my own, a personal version and a professional version. I vaguely remember the month of January, probably because it was full of packing, cleaning, saying goodbye to friends, moving, unpacking and finally sleeping. But, I do remember February and March. My first two months here in the Sandhills. I was once again faced with packing, cleaning and unpacking – but this time it was for work. In those first 60 days we moved offices, traveled to Dallas for a week long national conference and I somehow managed to squeeze in over 45 meetings with community members. During those crazy first 60 days Jamie, our Program Director, did a great job of getting me up to speed with a who’s who in the world of programs, volunteers, coaches and contacts. And one of the who’s who that really stuck out, and I had the opportunity to see during those 45 meetings, was the Silver Foils. What a dynamic group of women with so many passions, similar and unique, that come together weekly to support the needs and missions of our communities. Not only with The First Tee but other organizations such as supporting the Given Memorial Library, the Red Cross, dressing up at Clowns for the hospital, and so much more. Today, through the support of 30 Silver Foils, Pinehurst #6 staff and lead coach Charlaine Hirst, The First Tee of the Sandhills is able to offer ‘Just for Girls’ curriculum programs on Tuesday afternoons, year round. In 2015, we saw 70 girls between the ages of 7 and 13 participate in this unique curriculum experience. Next year will mark 10 years of support from the Silver Foils for ‘girl’s golf’ in the Sandhills. An initiative that did not originally start in conjunction with The First Tee. To provide a little history, in the spring of 2006, the Silver Foils met and determined that they wanted to find an organization to support that would involve continuing contributions and commitment for many years, not just a one-time project. Soon after they chose to partner with the newly formed LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Club, which happened to be formed locally, and separately, by then Executive Director of The First Tee of the Sandhills, Al Arrigoni. A program and initiative that was at the heart of the Silver Foils, an opportunity to share their love for golf, it’s inherent values and traditions, with young girls in and around ‘the home of golf’. Programs initially kicked off at Pine Bluff CC but over the years moved to other area facilities including the Pit Golf Links, Whispering Woods CC, Longleaf CC and Little River Golf Club. In addition, they hosted special events for the girls like ‘behind the scenes’ tours for the upcoming US Women’s Open at Pine Needles Resort & Lodge as well as professional clinics with staff at Pinehurst Country Club. Then, in 2012 the Silver Foils determined a need to realign their focus of the ‘girl’s golf’ model and pitched the concept to The First Tee of the Sandhills for inclusion in ongoing weekly curriculum programs. The four-week pilot program for this model was a hit in the fall of 2012 and by spring 2013 the “Just for Girls” program officially took off thanks to the commitment from facility host, Pinehurst #6, volunteer coordinator and Silver Foil, Karen Plankar and golf professionals Charlaine Hirst and Shannon Smith Scott. Thanks to the generosity and support of these individuals and entities, over the last three years, The First Tee of the Sandhills Just for Girls program has been able to triple its reach to young girls in our communities. While we have no intentions of slowing down, neither do the Silver Foils, proving their energy and commitment to the program is strong as they have doubled their volunteer base! We would like to offer a special thank you to Karen Plankar for leading, scheduling, nagging and motivating a wonderful group of volunteers over the years. Her guidance has helped cement the partnership between our two entities while forming a special relationship between the Silver Foils and Just for Girls participants at Pinehurst #6. Today, Karen is able to confidently pass the baton and join the group as ‘a staple support volunteer’ while Jimmie Hepner takes over the reigns as the new scheduler, planner and motivator. Thank you to the Silver Foils for holding a special memory in my look back at 2015, for opening your arms and hearts to my goals and passions for The First Tee Just for Girls programs and allowing me to join you on Tuesday’s at Pinehurst #6. Here’s to another ten years of girl’s golf in the Sandhills! PS: My daughter is eagerly awaiting her seventh birthday so she can join the Silver Foils for Just for Girls curriculum!