The HCM’s First Tee Initiative – Full Speed Ahead in 2014!

The First Tee is a nationally-recognized nonprofit organization that “impacts the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.”

In 2012, the Red HoffmanCup Matches teams were invited to get involved with the First Tee of Raritan Valley (TFTRV), the local chapter of The First Tee to most of the HCM clubs. To give back to the game we love, HCM captains and their clubs were invited to ask their teams to volunteer time and / or make a donation to TFTRV’s impactful programs. The 2012 results were outstanding and clearly struck a responsive chord.

In 2013, we expanded the support to include the three First Tee chapters covering the geographies of the HCM teams:

TFT of Metropolitan New York, which covers Bergen and Essex counties, as well as TFT of Plainfield.
The First Tee chapter of Monmouth and Ocean Counties
TFT Raritan Valley, which is responsible developing the youth in Hunterdon, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, Union, and Warren counties through golf.

The results of our 2013 TFT Initiative far eclipsed our 2012 efforts, with almost all HCM teams donating a total of $14,000 to the three chapters. The HCM clubs have, after two years, donated in excess of $22,000 to support The First Tee's efforts to help our local kids develop character and promote healthy choices through golf.

In 2014

We will build on the success of these fine first two years to keep our First Tee Initiative relevant and valuable to our member clubs. Literally all of us who participate in the HCM are familiar with TFT and its programs. It is important to realize that -- also, literally -- all of us benefit from the TFT. Not only does the program build our children into better citizens, it creates a pipeline and support to the game we love.

How to Contribute

Each HCM captain is encouraged to ask his team to contribute both volunteer time and financial support. Last year, most HCM contributions were made by checks that were consolidated by the captains and sent to the chapter. Another good option is to donate online. To donate to these wonderful organizations, please use the information provided below, or contact Kevin Casey, 973-886-5705.

TFT of Raritan Valley: 1 Golf Drive @ The Learning Center, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033 / (732) 247-0819/ www.thefirstteerv.org
TFT of Metropolitan New York: 3545 Jerome Avenue, Bronx, New York 10467 / 718-655-9164 / www.thefirstteemetny.org
TFT Monmouth and Ocean Counties: 1003 Wickapecko Drive, Ocean, NJ 07712 / (732) 759-2170 / www.thefirstteemonoc.org

As you and your team make your donation, please indicate that your contribution is part of the HCM First Tee Initiative.

Your support is truly valuable to these organizations. Together, the HCM and our friends at our local TFT chapters will make a big difference in the youth of our region.