Special Thanks to retiree Bob Hepner

A key component to an effective and sustainable Non-Profit Organization is a strong Board of Directors. The board must go through phases of evolution – from the Founding Phase to Super Managing Phase and eventually the Corporate Phase. In the early phases, Board Members will serve for personal desires, providing significant involvement and support to overall organization operations. As the board transitions to the next phase, original members will begin to roll off and new members will be recruited for their skills sets and community engagement abilities. Overtime, creating not only an extremely capable and successful organization, but a Board of Directors and Chairman Emeritus whose sphere of influence spreads deep throughout the footprint of the organization and sustains past their formal time with the Board. Since 2003, few have given their time to The First Tee of the Sandhills and left a lasting impression like that of recent Board of Directors retiree, Bob Hepner. While the record books are not clear if Bob began his tenure with the organization in 2006 or 2007, one things for sure, his ten – or – so years were filled with passion, vision, action and cooperation. Bob’s peers recounted his tenure candidly, pointing out that he would do whatever it took to complete a task – successfully. Whether that meant subbing as a caddy during a junior event, flipping burgers during a get together or selling flashing light buttons as raffle tickets to push a fundraising goal over the edge. Bob’s name, smile and stamp were all over it. When Bob joined the Board of Directors, his friends and peers were soon to follow in support. He truly wears The First Tee of the Sandhills on his sleeve – a golf sleeve that is. Thanks to Bob’s enthusiasm the Pinehurst No 7 community and the Tin Whistles have embraced The First Tee of the Sandhills with open arms – stepping up to create, organize and operate The Tin Whistles First Tee Junior Tour and regularly filling annual fundraising event tee times and dinner tables – ensuring that no child is left behind in our programming and outreach efforts. Bob has truly been a tireless recruiter, contributor and action based member of the Board of Directors. While always a team player, his passion was to ensure the organization never stayed still. Bob was willing to take risk for positive change, make improvements and press forward. But, let’s not forget, behind every great man is an incredible women. And in this case, her name is Jimmie Hepner. Together, they have made a great team for The First Tee. Jimmie has been an extension of the board in her own right – volunteering her time, talents and passions – a willing spirit that embraced Bob’s desires for The First Tee and helped expand their sphere of influence. We are thrilled to know that while Bob Hepner’s time as a member of the Board of Directors may have come to an end, his support, involvement and enthusiasm for our programs remains steadfast. On behalf of The Board of Directors, Volunteers, Staff and thousands of youth that have benefited from Bob’s generous spirit and tireless enthusiasm – THANK YOU for your years of dedication. And to many more years of continued growth, thanks to Bob and Jimmie Hepner.