Philadelphia, Pa. (December 8, 2023) – On November 30, 2023, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia hosted its 20th Anniversary Leaders & Achievers Gala at the National Constitution Center. The event raised over $725,000 to support the chapter’s programs, which provide First Tee’s Life Skills curriculum and golf instruction to youth throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.
Over 500 people attended the gala, including sponsors from Independence Blue Cross, Campaign Group, the Siegfried Family Foundation, and Scott Brickman. Special guests Tom Watson and Jerry Tarde spoke at the event, along with First Tee participants and alumni. Current First Tee participant, Jayden Goodson, and alumna Maria Ramos sat down with our event’s emcee, Beasley Reece for a discussion about their experience with First Tee.
When asked about what advice they had for other young people and First Tee students, Maria shared “Take a risk. Lean into what’s uncomfortable, because that means you can grow from it.” Maria is now a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania studying Computer and Information Science. She was a First Tee participant for nine years, and was accepted into the First Tee Scholars Class of 2023. With the scholarship, she will receive mentorship, professional development opportunities, and financial support throughout her college career.
