2024 Annual Review : simplebooklet.com

Our MissionOur PurposeWe enable kids to build the strength of characterthat empowers them through a lifetime of newchallenges. To positively impact the lives of young people inSanta Barbara, Northern Ventura, and San LuisObispo counties by providing educationalprograms that build character and instill lifeenhancing values through the game of golf. Our Impact on Young PeopleYoung people in our programs are more confidentin school, they are supported by coaches whothey view as caring mentors, they are activecommunity members and are ALWAYS welcomeregardless of financial circumstances.

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Dear Friends of First Tee — Central Coast,As we look back on 2024, we’re filled with gratitude for all we’ve accomplished together. With the support ofour amazing coaches, volunteers, staff, and partners, we reached nearly 30,000 kids and teens—helpingthem grow both on and off the golf course.This year, our programs expanded across 14 golf courses, 57 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, andseveral local youth organizations. Together, we've helped young people build confidence, resilience, and lifeskills that last far beyond the game.One proud moment was receiving Golf Digest’s Barbara A. Douglas & Dr. William J. Powell Diversity Award,recognizing our No Fee Programs and commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Pictured below Is our teamreceiving the award at the First Tee National Network meeting In Phoenix In November. Every step of the way, our participants continue to embody what it means to be Game Changers—settinggoals, growing through challenges, and supporting one another.Thank you for being part of this journey. Your belief in our mission keeps us moving forward, and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead.With heartfelt appreciation,Jessani JohnsonExecutive DirectorFrom our executive director...Jessani

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2024 No Fee Program Partnerships: First Tee curriculum delivered by FTCC Coaches at no cost to these partner youth organizationsPeople’s Self Help Housing: 4 six class sessions reaching 44 participantsYMCAs in Santa Ynez Valley:4 six week sessions reaching 216 participantsGIrls Inc in Carpinteria:Summer Program reaching 82 participantsBulldogs Special Olympians:1 six week session reaching 9 participantsVandenberg Space Force Base:4 six week sessions reaching 169 military base participantsA-OK Afterschool Program In Santa Barbara:1 six week session at Monroe School reaching 21 participantsPolice Activities League in Oxnard:1 six week session reaching 24 participantsPaulding & La Cumbre Middle Schools:6 sessions at each school reaching 705 teensOur programs happen daily at golffacilities, schools, and throughcommunity partnerships throughoutSanta Barbara, Ventura and San LuisObispo Counties. Participants ages 4 – 18progress through the program over time,deepening their understanding of lifeskills and golf development. Theintegrated approach helps kids and teensbuild confidence and resilience for whenthey are on the course, at home and inschool. Every participant has theopportunity to: Focus on interpersonal and self-management skills on and off the golfcourseSet goals and put strategies in placeto make them a realityLearn conflict resolution, resilienceand how to plan for the futureMake healthy choices and use goodjudgementGet out on a golf course to learn thegame of golf and how it relates to lifeAbout Us

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“When my world turned upside down, First Tee of the Central Coast became asaving grace for me and my two boys. I had just made the life-altering decision tomove across the world to Santa Barbara as a newly single mom, trying to find afresh start while keeping some sense of normalcy for my children. We landed herein a bit of a whirlwind—I’d missed all the sign-up windows for local sportsprograms, and I was trying to navigate a completely new chapter of life, unsure ofwhat was next.A friend of mine mentioned First Tee in passing, and I remember thinking, “Thatsounds like something my boys would love.” But at the time, finances were tight.Everything was tight. The thought of being able to sign up for a program like thatfelt out of reach. But when I inquired and learned that we could attend through ascholarship, I honestly teared up. It felt like a gift—an open door at a time whenmost doors felt closed.Golf had always held a special place in my heart. I learned how to play in college,and it was something my boys’ dad and I did together. When we were young,before kids, we’d hit the driving range or sneak in a quick nine holes during college—some of my favorite memories. I always hoped that one day our boys wouldlearn to play too, not just for the game itself, but for everything it teaches:patience, focus, manners, and resilience. First Tee gave us exactly that—and somuch more.In their own wordsFrom the moment my boys stepped onto the course with Coach Whitt and Coach Paige, I could see the spark in their eyes.These weren’t just golf lessons. These were life lessons disguised as fun. I watched my sons learn how to introducethemselves with confidence, show respect to others, be patient, and of course, how to swing a club. The coaches had thismagical way of making the game fun while still instilling important values. Every week, I saw my boys grow—not just as littlegolfers, but as people.Cont’d

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Nine months after our move, our family suffered an unthinkableloss: their dad was killed in a car accident. It shook us to the core.In those early weeks of grief, we didn't know what to do or how tocope. But we kept going to the course. Golf became our quietplace, our place to grieve, to talk, and sometimes just to swingaway the pain. We started going out every weekend—notnecessarily to "play" but to be together, to remember, and to heal.Today, golf is one of the ways we honor their dad. When we teeoff, we talk about him. We laugh about the time he shanked adrive, or how he’d always try to show off his short game. My boysnow have the skills and the confidence to get out on the courseand enjoy the game—and that means everything to us. Itconnects us to the person we lost, and gives us a way to keep hismemory alive.To the donors and supporters of First Tee, I just want to say: thankyou. You’re not just helping kids learn a sport. You’re creatingaccess to an experience that builds character, confidence, andconnection. You’re giving families like mine something to lookforward to, something to bond over, and something to hold ontoduring the hardest of times. I know it might not always seem like abig deal—a scholarship here, a few clubs there—but it is. It truly is.As my life begins to stabilize and my work continues to grow, I lookforward to the day I can pay it forward. First Tee gave my boysmore than just a sport. It gave us memories, healing, and hope.For that, I will be forever grateful.With heartfelt thanks, Meredith (First Tee Central Coast Parent) Thank you for the beautiful photos courtesy of Mindy Rainy @mindyrainy on instagram

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“Coach Kyle and the First Tee program hasbeen such a pleasant and wonderful way tointroduce my three kids to golf. Sometimesbeing the new kid to a sport can beintimidating, but my kids felt at home from thefirst lesson. Golf is now one of their favoritesports!" - Rachel (FTCC mom)Our son Giovanni, 8, had anexceptional experience. CoachWhitt and Coach Paige madeevery lesson something he lookedforward to—full ofencouragement, high-fives, andsome impressive swingimprovements! We’re so gratefulfor the way they made golfmeaningful and something helooked forward to. (FTCC Mom)Dear Coach Terri,I am so thankful and love that you helpme with my golfing skills. It is a sport Inever thought I would be able to do. Youhave helped me learn the rules, how tohit better, where to place my feet andnever get upset when I do it wrong. Youare so kind to all kids and happy to seeus when we come. “ - FTCC ParticipantDear Coach Darren! Thank you for bringing mydreams to life and teachingme how to be a great golferand person since I was 11. -MayaMy son and I have loved this programand especially Coach Darren for the lastfew years now. Coach Darren has reallyhelped my son fall in love with the sportas well as develop some meaningfulfriendships. The lessons that CoachDarren incorporates in each class makesthis so much more than just golf lessons,they are life lessons. Justin leaves thecourse every Friday happy and excitedfor the next one. We sincerely appreciateeverything Coach Darren and everyoneat First Tee does. -Julia and JustinThank you so much for helping me develop myswing, learn to keep my tempo, and so much more,Coach Billy. You helped make golf a fun sport for meand I still hear your famous (at least to me) quoteduring my swing, "Tick, tock." You were always soencouraging as well. Thanks for everything. - TheaThe First Tee has been absolutely incredible formy daughter! The time and energy she has beengiven by her coach and support personnelmakes it seem like this program was customwritten for her! I can't say enough positive thingsabout this program! - FTCC Parent

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The Heartbeatof our ImpactCoaches are key to the success of our First TeeChapter, serving as mentors and role models.They teach more than golf, fostering values likeperseverance, integrity, and respect that helpskids grow on and off the golf course.Our trained coaches create safe, supportive andempowering environments to help the kids &teens In our programs prepare for life ahead,Including friendships, school, college and eventheir careers.14 Lead coaches staff 3Darren AvritFTCC 2024 Coach of the Year “I am incredibly honored and deeply humbled to be named the 2024 Coach of the Year for First Tee Central Coast. It is truly aprivilege to work with so many remarkable young people and to witness their growth both on and off the golf course. Watchingour participants develop their skills, confidence, and character through this program brings me tremendous joy. This past yearwas especially meaningful, as three of our long-time participants, Sofia Rodriguez-Pierson, Maya London, and Sophia Waddellwere selected to represent our chapter at the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach. Having coached them for overeight years, seeing them reach this pinnacle of First Tee opportunities and shine on a national stage was a moment of immensepride. Their journey is a testament to what’s possible when passion, perseverance, and opportunity come together. Reflecting onthe past two decades, since we began programming in the northern part of our chapter in 2005, I’m filled with gratitude. My ownthree sons went through the program, and I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it can be. First Tee has not only shaped thelives of countless participants, but it has also shaped mine. I want to sincerely thank Master Coach and Program Director BillyGibbs, former Executive Director Butch Breeden, and current Executive Director Jessani Johnson. Their guidance, passion, andleadership have been instrumental in my journey and in the success of our chapter. Golf has brought deep meaning to my life,and through First Tee, I’ve had the privilege to share that meaning with thousands of young people. I truly believe there is nobetter youth development program out there. Thank you, First Tee Central Coast, for this incredible honor and for allowing me theopportunity to be a part of something so impactful. I am proud, grateful, and truly blessed to serve as your Coach of the Year.34Assistant coaches

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Pursuing Goals Excited to grow and learn, notafraid to fail, and learning fromboth achievements and setbacksGrowing through ChallengeBy discovering inner strength,developing resilience and diggingdeep when things get tough.Collaborating with OthersRespecting other perspectives,showing kindness, consideration,and care for others, and knowingthat our attitude and how we treatothers have an impact.I can change the game andchange the world by simplybeing the best version ofmyself.I am a game changer!CommitmenttoBeing aGame Changer73% reportedhigherconfidence Inacademicability82% felt moreconfidentwith socialskills

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5 Key CommitmentsUsing Good JudgmentRespecting rules in golf and in life,being honest with ourselves andothers, and having the courage to dowhat‘s right, even when it‘s hard.Building Positive Self-IdentityFinding self-confidence, discoveringwhat we are capable of, and feelingsafe to be ourselves.Experiences are our greatest teacher. First Tee believes indeveloping the ones that are just as fun as they are meaningful,where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail, and better equippedfor whatever comes their way next. Participants in the First Tee Program engage with trained, caringadult coaches and mentors, and interact with a curriculum that isboth developmentally and age-appropriate to meet participantswhere they are and address their ever-changing needs —including their emotional and social needs as they aresurrounded by and working with peers their same age.85% of alumni credit theFirst Tee for helpingthem be a betterstudent91%of alumni wereengaged in communityservice while in First Tee

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First Tee offers national events to inspire and encourage highschool students on a deeper level. From being mentored byPGA TOUR Champions players at Pebble Beach to a 5 daylearning and empowerment academy, FT national events areabout expanding horizons, meeting new people, openingdoors and guiding teens to be more confident in themselves. National OpportunitiesTeen Impact!“The First Tee has taughtme more than just how tohit a golf ball, it has taughtme the importance of reallyhelping other peoplewherever you can. Gettingmore involved now as ajunior coach has helpedme feel more confident inmy leadership skills and Ilove being able to helpother kids learn the game.”- Sophia We are so proud of our FTCC teens who wereselected for 2024 leadership & golf opportunitiesJeffrey Forster was selected and attended the FT National Championshipat Clemson University, he finished in 7 place!thSophia Waddell, Sofia Rodriguez-Pierson and Maya London wereselected and attended the Game Changers Academy in Minneapolis.Sophia Waddell, Sofia Rodriguez-Pierson and Maya London wereselected for the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach in Sept.Click HERE to read more Jeffrey Forster“

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Events39.4%Program Fees22.2%Individual15.2%Foundation13.1%Corporate10.1%Programs40%Fundraising36.8%Management23.2%Thank you to theindividuals, grantfunders, corporatepartners, organizationsand donors whocontinue to supportFirst Tee — CentralCoast’s mission ofempowering youth.We frame all decisions,strategies, personnel,programs, andcommunity outreachwith the single focus onwhat is best for ourparticipants. Eachchapter within the FirstTee network is fundedlocally, 100% of allmonetary contributionsgoes towards fundingFirst Tee — CentralCoast programs. Everydollar helps ensure thatthe lives of the kids andteens are positivelyaffected within ourcommunity.FinancialStabilityRevenueExpenses Headed In the right direction 2024Revenue$649K2023Revenue$551K2022Revenue$501K2021 Revenue$482K

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First Tee —Central Coast2024ExecutiveBoardDr. Rob MossChairMatt PorterVice ChairSecretaryEric BellTreasurerRyan MaxwellManny ArceoStaffRick CohenMelissa McDonaldSheila DavidsonRandy Shannon, PGAWhitt HollisThayer WhiteRon VyseMia CameronDevelopment Director & CoachProgram Director & First Tee Master CoachBilly Gibbs, PGAExecutive DirectorJessani JohnsonAaron CrockerBen CrawfordBill WidnerDavid PosnickDr. Jim PetersonLead CoachesTerri Benson, PGADarren AvritJulia Bognuda, PGAKyle Marme, PGAConnor ChartierPage O’Brien, PGAJim DeLaby, PGAAlicia Allison, LPGAMike Brabenec, PGAAndrew ShermanWhitt HollisJacob CameronMia CameronBilly Gibbs, PGADirectorsOur FTCC Team at the FT Network Meeting In Phoenix

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Thank you to our Top 2024 Donors & Partners.We couldn’t do It without you!Tournament SponsorsSupporting Golf CoursesSanta Barbara GC - Glen Annie - La Purisima -The Mission Club - Santa Maria CC Monarch Dunes Blacklake Golf Resort Morro Bay GC - Sea Pines - Laguna Lake - Dairy Creek - Hunter Ranch - River OaksCharles Schwab Foundation - Bedford Foundation - Janssen Youth Foundation - Nissenson Family Tom & Ellen Orlando - Monterrey Peninsula Foundation - County of SLO - Cyndee Howard - LA84 Wood - Claeyssens Foundation - The Gretler Foundation - The Mark & Dorothy Smith Family FoundationCentral Coast Funds for Children - Rotary Club SLO Daybreak - Nipomo Lions - Nancy & Dick Spelke - Dr Rob MossPeter Davies - David Gil - Sherry Trade - King David’s Lodge - Oceano/5 Cities Elks Club - Anthony & Susan Cossa Roxanne Brophy - The Center Foundation - Masons of San Luis Obispo - Melissa McDonald - Patrick Ontko The SAGE Trust - Laura Kalman - Dr Jim Peterson - The Visser Family - The Posnick Family - The Davidson FamilyJack Gresser - The Widner Family - The Hollis Family - Anatman Foundation - Del Rio Advisors Grantors & Major DonorsOshay Family FoundationSteve Golis - Radius GroupWFG TitleKathy Romasanta-EckertSmardan Supply CoHenry SchulteCoit Family FoundationACE LevelSponsor

2024 Annual Review

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