As final preparations continue, The First Tee of Lake Erie and The Boys and Girls Clubs of Toledo are anxiously awaiting the official grand opening of their new facility on Hill Street adjacent to The Inverness Club.
The process of raising the needed funds and then constructing the 40-acre facility has taken several years, but the completed project will be a state-of-the-art training and learning facility for area youth. It will include a driving range, putting area and short game practice area for golf. For inclement weather a gym and indoor golf simulator will allow the kids to remain active.
“It is amazing to see it come to life,” says Adam Reny, Executive Director of The First Tee of Lake Erie. “Once we are up and running in about a month and a half, we are going to take our opportunities to impact kids’ lives to a whole new level.”
The First Tee’s ultimate goal is to make golf affordable and accessible.
“By being able to offer golf programs and access to other sports, we will get kids who would not have thought about picking up a golf ball involved,” Reny continued. “We hope to serve about 1,000 kids every year.”
Michael Prothe, Program Director for the First Tee of Lake Erie said,
“Kids who come out to First Tee will be provided with everything they need. We like to say if they get here, we’ll take care of the rest.”
The First Tee of Lake Erie relies on donations for equipment, and volunteers to help supervise the activities. Retirees, high school and college students, as well as, PGA professionals are urged to reach out to Reny, or Prothe to become involved.
In addition to golf skills, The First Tee focuses on “9 Core Values” to teach kids social skills such as, introducing themselves, developing more patience, respect, integrity, and honesty.
The building will also be home to a Boys and Girls Clubs of Toledo and kids will have a chance to take part in both programs.
“It is something they can think of as theirs,” Prothe said. “The kids are the members, no one else. I think that is very special.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be in September and then the youth programs will begin.
To become involved visit: https://www.firstteelakeerie.org/giving/volunteering/
