Community Outreach Archives - Page 2 of 3

Thank you from Morton Golf Foundation Grant Recipient

Nikki Chindavong is a junior golf development grant recipient for the past several years and it has been a joy to watch her development both on and off the course.

Nikki recently sent a thank you letter to the Morton Golf Foundation and we wanted to share it with everyone here. We were touched by the great art and her kind words:

Dear Morton Golf Foundation:

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for believing in me and supporting me from day one. They say, “never forget those who helped you along the way” and I will never forget what this foundation has done for me and the rest of junior golf. Currently, I am on track to play college golf. I am very excited for the future, but before that, I am so grateful for the journey that I have taken to get to this point in life.
This foundation, the First Tee, my Coach Mr. Berg, and my family have been my core building blocks of who I am. I believe that golf is not just a game it’s a lifestyle. I have found that one of my passions in life is golf. Through such as perseverance, respect, integrity and confidence are crucial to life. Through the First Tee, I had the opportunity to play in the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach and the First Tee National Championship at Notre Dame University. These two experiences were not only fun and exciting, but they were truly life changing. At the PURE Insurance Championship, I found a new sense of confidence within myself. I re-learned that good things will come with patience and dedication. In Indiana, at the First Tee National Championship, I learned that we create our own personal wins. I came in 2nd place shooting a 3-day total of -4 (shooting 4 under on the final round) and felt that I played the best golf in my life. I lost the tournament by one stroke after making a bogey on the 16th hole. I walked away from that tournament realizing that as much as I wanted to win, it wasn’t my time yet. I knew that if I continued to work hard and stay persistent, good things would come my way … and it did. A week after this tournament, I was offered to play for the University of Nevada, Reno.
Everything that you see on the front cover makes me who I am, and Morton Golf Foundation is a piece of my core. Again, thank you for being a part of my journey thus far. Playing college golf has always been a goal of mine. It’s one of my major steps in life, but it is not the end. It’s the beginning of a new adventure. Your endless support, guidance, and encouragement have been truly appreciated and will be forever remembered in my heart.
Best Regards,
Nikki Chindavong

We wish you all the luck as you head to play golf at University Nevada Reno!

Morton Golf Foundation Joins County Optimist for the Robla School Giveaway

Morton Golf Foundation, First Tee- Greater Sacramento joined County Club Optimist Club for the Annual Robla School Giveaway.

On Saturday, August 6th at 9:00 a.m. approximately 150 local school children from kindergarten through 6th Grade in the Robla School District joined in the fun for a back-to-school giveaway. What a wonderful way to get the students and families from the surrounding area of Robla School District off to a great start for the coming school year starting August 15th

There were several partners there to make sure the families had school class information. Many volunteers were handing out backpacks filled with school supplies, and healthy and nutritious bags of food and even the school Nurse was on hand to answer any questions.

The fun continued around the school yard as a BBQ lunch was being served along with games and snow cones to get the excitement up for the new school year.

Several of the students received a new pair of PUMA athletic shoes to wear all through the year.

Nothing is better than the safe feeling you have on that first day of School.

The 2022 Morton Golf Foundation Scholarship Winners Have Been Announced

April 1, 2022 was the deadline for graduating high school seniors to apply for a Morton Golf Foundation College Scholarship. At that time, 16 seniors applied and all 16 met the requirements to receive a scholarship.

These scholarships do not require the student to play golf in college. Morton Golf Foundation scholarships are based on the student’s high school achievements.

The 2022 total dollar amount awarded for 16 scholarships was $43,000.00.

All WINNING scholars were invited with their parents to a buffet dinner on Wednesday evening, May 18th to celebrate.

Each scholarship winner was asked their name, where they are headed to college, and what their major is. It was inspiring to hear each student share their goals and dreams with 150 Morton Golf Foundation donors in the room. We were so proud of them knowing these are our future leaders. These students will be making world decisions in our lifetime.

Morton Golf Foundation wishes them well as they head to their next adventure.

Now is the Time to Apply For Morton Golf Foundation 2022 College Golf Scholarships

Attention all graduating high school seniors! Now is the time to apply for a 2022 College Golf Scholarship from Morton Golf Foundation.

In an effort to recognize high school seniors that have played on a high school golf team, been a member of the First Tee – Greater Sacramento, or worked at a golf facility during their high school years you are eligible to apply for a 2022 Morton Golf Foundation college scholarship.

This scholarship does not necessarily mean that you will be playing golf in college. Winning this scholarship is recognition for your achievements during your high school years.

To apply for the Morton Golf Foundation College Scholarships please go to our website: www.mortongolffoundation.org

Click on Rules & Regulations
Click on Scholarship Application

The completed scholarship application must be returned to Morton Golf Foundation, ATTENTION: Jane Siebers, 3645 Fulton Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821 on or before April 4th, 2022. Feel free to either mail to the above address or drop it off at Haggin Oaks Pro Shop.

Any questions or concerns please contact:

Morton Golf Foundation
ATTN: Jane Siebers
jsiebers@hagginoaks.com
(916) 808-0969

All WINNING College Scholarship winners will be invited to a recognition dinner the evening on Wednesday, May 17th at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex. This is the time to acknowledge our scholars, take pictures and let our friends and family see and hear about these accomplishments.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Third Annual Capital Cup Challenge Supporting Morton Golf Foundation Life & Skills Academy was a Success

The 3^rd Annual Capital Cup Challenge was held at William Land Golf Course under perfect conditions. The event was kicked-off on Wednesday, December 1^st with a practice round to get everyone geared up for the competition the following day.

The sun was shining bright, the wind was low and the golf course was in perfect playing condition.

There were 8 City Elected Officials wearing blue shirts playing a 2-person scramble golf match against the 8 County Elected Officials wearing red shirts.

CITY TEAM (Blue Shirts): COUNTY TEAM (Red Shirts):

Rick Jennings Donald Terry

Katie Valenzvela Garrett Gatewood

Darrell Steinberg Patrick Kennedy

Kevin McCarty Rick Launey

Lauren Hammond Brian Cooley

Steve Cohn Nancy Bui Thompson

Rob Fong Mike Kozlowski

Jay Schenirer Stephanie Nguyen

When the 9-hole match finished the County -vs- City was tied 2 – 2 . It was time for a putt off match on the putting green.

The 2 County Elected Officials winning the final putt for the County team were Nancy Bui Thompson and Brian Cooley.

A new 2021 plaque will be added to the perpetual trophy that will now move to the County’s territory. For the past 2 years, this tournament was won by the City teams until now.

The dollars raised for the past 3 years go toward the construction and sustaining the Morton Golf Foundation Life & Golf Skills Academy at Hiram Johnson High School. The Community Services Project funds raised will be used for the construction project installing Phase 1 of the Stadium concept which will benefit all students & the community in the Hiram Johnson neighborhood. The Hiram Johnson community will have the opportunity to participate not only in the after school golf programs but also throughout the summer months.

Our hope is to have construction in 2022 and by this event next year we’ll kick it off with hoping that everyone participating has had the opportunity to tour the new Life & Golf Skills Academy at Hiram Johnson High School.

The Putting Party represents everything wonderful about the Great Game of Golf!

Outside in the fresh air, friends getting together, music playing, the sound of laughter, raising Funds for some of Sacramento’s best charities. “The Putting Party” is back and better than ever.

We were so honored to have our two celebrities on hand to enhance the evening. Kevin Patton told his story of golf literally “Saving His Life” through the PGA HOPE Program. Kevin continues to feel good as he enjoys golf each week and competes at a national level in the Para Golfer Competitions. Kevin Sutherland, PGA Tour Champions Member, and Morton Golf Foundation Board Member were also on hand. As always, Kevin shared his extensive golfing knowledge and showed us all how to really putt.

Although the real winner is Charity, the players enjoyed some friendly competition. Congratulations to team CBS TV/CW 31 Double Eagles for taking home the golf with an amazing 8 under par 28. Team Mel Rapton Honda took the silver at 7 under par, 29.

Everyone had a blast and we are excited to keep this tradition going for years to come.

Special Honor for Special Olympian Jeremy McCarthy

Jeremy McCarthy of the First Tee California Eagles Group receives Special Olympics Honor

Left to right: Rob Siebers, President Tom Morton, Jeremy McCarthy, Tom Corlett, Kelli Corlett, and Jane Siebers

On Tuesday, August 31st, 2021 Special Olympics of Northern California surprised Jeremy McCarthy and Tom Corlett with an invite to the Special Olympic Games USA in Orlando, FL in June, 2022. The pair has participated in the Northern California Alternate Shot Competition with Special Olympics for the past 10 years.

Jeremy and Tom have a very special bond and have been in each other’s lives for the past 35 years. Jeremy’s mom and Tom’s wife are the closest friends and used to work together.

Jeremy and Tom co-coach one of the groups within the California Eagle Golf Program and have been for the past 11 years. The two make quite a pair and we could not be more happy and proud of them!

Jeremy began his golf career at the age of 6 with lessons from Golf Professional Dick McShane at Haggin Oaks.

2nd Annual “Capital Golf Challenge” Supporting The Morton Golf Foundation Held At William Land Golf Course!

Under the beautiful Sacramento sunny sky on Friday, 9/25/2020 the 2nd Annual Capital Golf Challenge was held at William Land Golf Course.

There were 8 City Elected Officials wearing orange playing a 2-person golf match between 8 County Elected Officials wearing green.

Competition was high spirited, the golf with interesting, and a great time was had by all!

The winning team again this year was the City Team.

The City of Sacramento TEAM name was added to the perpetual trophy that can be seen at City Hall.

CITY TEAM

Mayor Darrell Steinberg
Assemblymember Kevin McCarty
Councilmember Rob Fong, Ret.
Councilmember Eric Guerra
Councilmember Lauren Hammond, Ret.
Councilmember Rick Jennings
Councilmember Jay Schenirer
Councilmember Steve Cohn, Ret.

COUNTY TEAM

Supervisor Patrick Kennedy
Supervisor Sue Frost
SMUD Board Director Gregg Fishman
SMUD Board Director Nancy Bui-Thompson
SCOE, Brian Cooley, Ret.
SJUSD, Richard Launey, Ret.
Elk Grove Councilmember Stephanie Nguyen
Sac City School Boardmember Darrell Woo

The dollars raised for the past 2 years go toward the construction of a Life and Golf Skills Academy at Hiram Johnson High School. The Community Services Project funds raised will be

Used for the construction project installing Phase 1 of the Stadium Concept which will benefit all students in the Hiram Johnson neighborhood. The Hiram Johnson community will have the opportunity to participate not only in after school golf programs but also throughout the summer months.

The goal is to start construction on Phase 1 in early 2021.

Please take a moment and watch the video at https://youtu.be/OxR4uStkpSE

The 2021 dates secured for next year’s annual fundraiser to help maintain and staff the facility will be on Friday, August 20th at William Land Golf Course.

Hope to see you there!

29th Annual Jr/Sr Funvitational Hits it Right Down the Middle

With all the cancellations happening with COVID-19 it was a pleasure that the fun could continue at the 29th Annual Jr/Sr Funvitational at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex in Sacramento, CA on July 31, 2020.

It was straight tee times instead of a shotgun start and the lunch & awards could not be held following golf due to social distancing requirements.

Jane Siebers & Michael Alves at the 2020 Jr/Sr Funvitational

All day on the golf course you could hear shouts across the fairway as friends were cheering on their fellow golfers. The format was a 2-person scramble. What a great way to work as a team for all 18 holes.

There were smiles all around as the tournament ended and it was bumping elbows to thank your foursome for a great round.

The day was enjoyed by approximately 100 golfers and several were Morton Golf Foundation Board Members and friends.

Our hats are off to The a First Tee of Greater Sacramento TEAM for putting on another great event. Their continued hard work was well worth it!

Please join us next year at this event as we ALL support junior golf!

Morton Golf Foundation 2020 Scholarship Winners

The Morton Golf Foundation along with Golf and Guitars and Air Force One Golf is incredibly pleased to announce our 2020 Educational Scholarship Award Winners.

This year we raised over $48,000 towards Educational Scholarships for area high school seniors. We want to recognize these exceptional students for their hard work and dedication to their education.
Our eligibility requirements have each student ranking in the upper part of their class scholastically, with a 3.0 or better GPA. Each of the winners have must have outstanding personal character, sportsmanship, and leadership qualities, and participated in
any NCGA, TFTGS, or high school golf program for at least one event, program, or membership year or worked at a golf facility.

Our 2020 Scholarship Winners:

“Dusel Family Scholarship” $5000 Award Winner – Carly Krause

“Pat Mailey Memorial Scholarship” $4000 Award Winner – Benjamin Ainsley-Zoll

$4000 Scholarship Award Winners – Amand Siy

$3,500.00 Scholarship Award Winner

“Jane & Rob Siebers Community Service Award” -Ashley Knepshield

$2,500.00 Scholarship Award Winners –

Alyssa Yee

Jared Tungol

McKenna Schinderle

“Kevin Sharp Memorial Scholarship” $2500 Award Winner – Hannah Lee

“Governor’s Cup Foundation Scholarship” – $1500 Award Winner – Grayce Honsa

“Governor’s Cup Foundation Scholarship” – $1500 Award Winner – Carter Wilson

“Governor’s Cup Foundation Scholarship” – $1500 Award Winner – Emma Frank

“Governor’s Cup Foundation Scholarship” – $1500 Award Winner – Gabriel Silveira

“Governor’s Cup Foundation Scholarship” – $1500 Award Winner – Damon Bartells

“Governor’s Cup Foundation Scholarship” – $1500 Award Winner – Michael Wicks

“Governor’s Cup Foundation Scholarship” – $1500 Award Winner – Sydney Becker

“Governor’s Cup Foundation Scholarship” – $1500 Award Winner – Mikaela Paracuelles
Mikaela Paracuelles $1,500.00 Vista del Lago UC Santa Cruz

$1500 Scholarship Award – Amy Whelan

$1,000.00 Award Winners –

Collin Yee
Yusuf Ahmed
Arturo Zavala
Macy Anderson

“Governor’s Cup Foundation Scholarship” $1000 Award Winners Mia Gribskov

“Governor’s Cup Foundation Scholarship” $1000 Award Winner – Mason Mancasola

“Governor’s Cup Foundation Scholarship” $1000 Award Winner – Sid Brown

“Bosley Electric Scholarship” – $1000 Award Winner – Birdie Brown

Morton Golf Foundation is proud of all of our scholarship winners and wish them all the best as they move onto college.

The Morton Golf Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit corporation established and operated exclusively for charitable purposes. The Morton Golf Foundation vision is to enrich the lives of the less fortunate through the great game of golf.

About Morton Golf Foundation:
Our Mission is to provide funds to programs offering a healthy outdoor recreational environment that stresses the building of lasting personal relationships while seamlessly instilling life’s core values for the youth, disabled and underserved communities of Sacramento. If you have any question, please direct them to Jane Siebers at jsiebers@hagginoaks.com