First Tee - West Michigan

A huge thank you to 13 ON YOUR SIDE for having our Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Kenna Durian on the show this morning to share all about First Tee! She had the pleasure of chatting with Tanner Holbrook and Amber Twardy about the exciting programs we have for kids this spring and summer, how golf helps teach important life lessons, and how you can get involved as a volunteer. We’re always grateful for the opportunity to share more about our programs and the impact we’re making in the community! https://lnkd.in/gMTjiHCH

On Saturday, we were honored to be part of the grand opening celebration of the PGA TOUR Superstore in Grand Rapids! We are incredibly grateful for their generous gift and excited for the future of this partnership in West Michigan!

We're excited to share that Tyler Smies has been promoted to CEO of First Tee - West Michigan! ? Since helping launch the organization in 2011, Tyler has served as Executive Director, growing our reach from 73 to 2,400 participants across seven counties and expanding our budget from $50,000 to $1.3 million. His leadership and passion have been key in driving our organization's growth. Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/ggDU-KKe

One of my favorite parts of my work is that it attracts servant-hearted leaders. I get to learn from them, watch them, and mimic them. I might have learned more from Rick than anyone else on leading, caring for others, and how to walk out my faith in Christ day after day. This man exemplified so many characteristics I respect. He will be deeply missed.

Interested in learning more about First Tee volunteer opportunities? Already a volunteer or coach? Join us next week for a Happy Hour & Bingo Night in your community! This event is a time to celebrate our amazing volunteers and coaches while also welcoming those interested in getting involved. Enjoy great food, drinks, and a lively game of bingo—with a First Tee twist! Whether you’ve been with us for years or are just getting to know First Tee, this is the perfect opportunity to connect, have fun, and learn more. Bring a friend and join the celebration—we can't wait to see you there! Follow this link to RSVP: https://lnkd.in/gvj6_k4V (This event is?for ages 21+ only.)

We're so grateful to Jeff Keyser and Ross Ryzenga (our Holland Board chair), alongside the hundreds of others who have made First Tee so impactful in the Holland community these past 5 years. We can't wait to see what's next in 2025!

We had a great morning with Lauren Lendzion from Fox 17 News, sharing all about First Tee and the exciting weekend ahead at the West Michigan Golf Show! ?? We would love to see you there—stop by our booth to say hello, learn more about our programs, and even take a swing! ??♂?

First Tee is on the lookout for great people to join our team: - Operations & Admin Generalist (full-time, Grand Rapids) - Holland Program Coordinator (full-time, Holland) - Marketing Intern (full-time seasonal, Grand Rapids) - Part-Time Lead Coach (hourly, as few as 3 hours per week, GR, Muskegon, Holland, and Kalamazoo) Tag a friend and help us find people who care about kids and teens and want to see them develop into the best versions of themselves! https://lnkd.in/e-ffedPd

Please join us in welcoming Randy Freeburg and Henry Stallings III to the First Tee – West Michigan Board of Directors! We’re thrilled to have their expertise and passion as we continue to drive our mission forward and expand our impact in the community. Visit the link below to learn more about Randy and Henry! https://lnkd.in/ghSRh_VB

2024 was a record-breaking year of impact with kids and teens. We served 2,400 participants across West Michigan (+8% over last year). Even better, more than 1,300 of those students received our programs free of charge because of their family's income (scholarship students +36% over last year). This is only possible because of the generous support of donors! To keep up with the demand and the impact, two new full-time positions are now open, along with several part-time positions and internships. We encourage you to share with your network, and connect us to potential applicants! We need your help to ensure our students continue to develop the skills they need to succeed on and off the golf course. https://lnkd.in/e-ffedPd