Headline: The First Tee Launches National Fundraiser That Allows You to Give Back to Great Causes and Perhaps Win Once-in-a-Lifetime Prizes

For Immediate Release: October 23, 2017

Support junior golf by taking part in The First Tee junior golf initiative and Charitybuzz

Norton, Mass. – While three-time Massachusetts Golf Association Richard D. Haskell Player of the Year recipient Matt Parziale (Thorny Lea GC) punched his ticket to the 2018 Masters Tournament with his victory in the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship last week, other Bay State golfers and golf fans alike have the opportunity themselves to gain entry to the Masters – “A tradition unlike any other” – thanks to a new partnership between The First Tee junior golf initiative and Charitybuzz, a leader in the online auction industry.

Beginning today - October 23 - the national level of The First Tee program is teaming up with Charitybuzz, one of Fast Company’s 2017 Most Innovative Companies, to raise money for chapters around the country.

The First Tee of Massachusetts junior golf facility, the official charitable partner of the Massachusetts Golf Association, offers programs at five facilities across the Commonwealth, a miniscule number of the programs offered at more than 1,200 locations across the country.

Money raised in the online auctions – with more than 60 once-in-a-lifetime opportunities up for bid – will be used to help the more 5.3 million boys and girls who benefit from the programming in a given year with the necessary materials to succeed. The auction will remain live for seven days beginning October 23.

The First Tee’s mission is to impact 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.

“We are very grateful of the partnership that has been established on a national level between The First Tee and Charitybuzz,” said The First Tee of Massachusetts Executive Director Joe McCabe. “Our staff, coaches and dedicated volunteers are able to see first-hand the benefits that youth receive in all aspects of their lives through the programming that we offer and we are confident that this newest partnership between these two aforementioned organizations will positively impact not only the five program facilities in Massachusetts, but at First Tee chapters across the country.”

In addition to one of the top items being bid on – two badges to the 2018 Masters on April 7 & 8 plus three nights’ accommodations in a private home – other top items up for auction include:

  • Insider's Golf Trip Accompanied by Gordon Dalgleish to St Andrews, Scotland in August 2018: Round of Golf at the Old Course, Kingsbarns, Crail and New Course, 4-Nights’ Accommodations at the Fairmont St Andrews & More
  • World-Class Ireland Golf Package: Play a Round of Golf at Private Clubs Including Ballybunion Old, Lahinch, Tralee and Waterville, spend 4-Nights at Killarney Park Hotel and Enjoy a Mid-Size Rental Car During Your Trip
  • 2 Exclusive Chairman's Passes to Each Day of the 2018 Waste Management Phoenix Open, January 29 - February 4 Including Special Viewing Behind the 16th Hole, Entry to the After Party at the Birds Nest Each Night, Hospitality Tent Access & More

A complete list of the entire auction items can be found here: https://www.charitybuzz.com/theme/thefirsttee/lots

While the proceeds from this particular partnership will benefit all The First Tee chapters across the country, other fundraising initiatives taking place locally will directly support the efforts of The First Tee of Massachusetts at its program headquarters in Norton at MGA Links at Mamantapett, as well the program facilities at Fenway Golf in East Longmeadow, Hyannis Golf Course, William J. Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park and the newest program facility, D.W. Field Golf Course in Brockton.

One highlight of the fall fundraising season for The First Tee of Massachusetts program is the 11th annual The First Tee of Massachusetts Golf Tournament at TPC Boston, host site of the annual Dell Technologies Championship, taking place on Monday, November 6.

This event is made possible thanks to host sponsor Walmart as well as support received throughout the year from Mass Golf Patrons of Golf: Titleist, Liberty Mutual and First Republic Bank. All proceeds from the tournament go directly to The First Tee of Massachusetts.

The event is also part of the 2017 Liberty Mutual Insurance Invitational, the No. 1 Charity Event in Golf. As a result, the winners of this year’s tournament will earn an invitation to compete in the National Finals at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, host of the 2007 Senior PGA Championship, 2012 PGA Championship and future host of the 2021 PGA as well as the 1991 Ryder Cup.

Although the field for The First Tee of Massachusetts Golf Tournament is currently full, interested golfers and supporters are encouraged to reach out to Joe McCabe at jmccabe@mgalinks.org or visit www.thefirstteemass.org for more information and to be placed on a wait list.

You can also click here to make a donation to The First Tee of Massachusetts directly.