Honoring Legends, Investing in the Next Generation: Links at the Linc
Thank you to everyone who joined us on April 9, 2026 for Links at the Linc — an unforgettable evening celebrating the power of mentorship, opportunity, and community while honoring Philadelphia Eagles legends Mike Quick and Merrill Reese.
For nearly 30 years, Mike and Merrill have shared the broadcast booth as two of the most recognizable voices in Philadelphia sports. Mike Quick was inducted into the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame in 1995 in recognition of his outstanding career as a wide receiver, while Merrill Reese was inducted in 2016 for his legendary tenure as the team’s play-by-play announcer. In 2024, Merrill also received the Pro Football Hall of Fame Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award and, after 50 years behind the microphone, remains the longest-tenured announcer in the NFL.
Beyond their accomplishments in football, both Mike and Merrill have become deeply connected to the mission of First Tee — Greater Philadelphia and the young people we serve. Mike has dedicated 11 years of leadership as a member of our Board of Directors, while Merrill has remained a steadfast supporter of our work and a familiar presence at the Mike Quick Celebrity Invitational year after year.
The evening began inside the Eagles locker room and on the field at Lincoln Financial Field, where supporters, students, coaches, alumni, and community members gathered in one of Philadelphia’s most iconic venues. More importantly, it was an opportunity to come together around a shared belief: that every young person deserves access to opportunities that help them grow on and off the golf course.
Throughout the dinner program, students, alumni, and coaches shared powerful stories that reflected the lasting impact of First Tee — Greater Philadelphia. Alumni Devin spoke about how the program opened doors to opportunities he never imagined possible. Andi and her brother Rory shared how the game of golf, combined with the guidance of coaches and mentors, helped them build confidence, discipline, and resilience.
Alumna Maria reflected on how the program taught her to look inward, persevere through challenges, and continue growing as a person both on and off the course. Coach Tai spoke about the sense of family within First Tee and the comfort of knowing his daughter, Skylar, will always be surrounded by support, encouragement, and people who genuinely care about her success.
The evening’s fireside chat, led by Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro, brought the crowd to the edge of their seats as Mike and Merrill reflected on unforgettable Eagles moments, iconic calls, and the life experiences that have shaped them along the way. Yet some of the most impactful moments of the evening came when they spoke about the importance of investing in young people.
“What First Tee — Greater Philadelphia has done is take young people who would never have had the opportunity to play a game that was once so exclusive, and they’ve given them a treasure. Some of them are going to be really good, some may earn college scholarships, but most importantly, many of them are going to find purpose and passion that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.” — Merrill Reese
“It’s not necessarily about finding the next great golfer — it’s about building great people. That’s what you are supporting here tonight. I know what we are doing works because I see it in these kids every time I’m around them.” — Mike Quick
Links at the Linc was a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together to invest in the next generation. Thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended and supported the evening, we raised over $528,000. This funds more young people throughout Greater Philadelphia gaining access to safe spaces, caring mentors, educational opportunities, and experiences that help them build confidence, character, and a brighter future.
Thank you to our entire First Tee — Greater Philadelphia community for making this night so meaningful and memorable.
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