Author: David Cohn

First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin Joining 45+ Local Nonprofit Organizations for Giving First Day

As holiday shopping season nears, a coalition of 45+ Milwaukee-area nonprofits are leading a coordinated effort to emphasize the importance of supporting our communities first through a campaign called Giving First on Tuesday, November 22nd.

Giving First day flips the script by encouraging philanthropy one week before Giving Tuesday, which traditionally falls after Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber-Monday shopping.  Local nonprofits put the community first all year long and hope the community will put them first this giving season.

Ken Leinbach, Executive Director at the Urban Ecology Center reflects on Giving First saying, “It has been incredible to see the seed of this idea grow into a powerful collaboration. Giving First encourages our community to approach the holiday season with abundance and generosity towards nonprofits who, in this typical time of joy, are often faced with fear and scarcity.”

This year, Giving First has 45+ community-serving organizations conducting their fundraising campaigns on November 22nd instead of the traditional Giving Tuesday. This is something we know Milwaukee will rally behind.

Patty Metropulos, President & CEO of Kathy’s House shared, “Residents of Milwaukee and the surrounding areas have a reputation for stepping up to support our neighbors through difficult times. The Giving First Collaboration embodies the humble generosity that is both a tradition and a vocation for our community.

Before the hustle and bustle of the traditional shopping weekend, we invite everyone to reflect on the needs of our community and invest in shared values. 

Jeri Bonavia, Executive Director of WAVE Educational Fund reminds us that “Giving First is our chance to enter the holiday season with our values front and center. So, before shopping, let’s take this opportunity to put what really matters at the very top of our list.”

For up to date information on the collaborating organizations including direct links to donate visit givingfirstday.org.

45+ Milwaukee-area organizations participating in Giving First 2022: 

  • America’s Black Holocaust Museum
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee
  • COA Youth & Family Centers
  • Community Smiles Dental
  • CORE El Centro
  • Danceworks, Inc.
  • Dominican Center
  • First Stage
  • First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin
  • Friedens Food Pantries
  • Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail
  • Friends of Lakeshore State Park
  • Havenwoods Neighborhood Partnership
  • The Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center (HERC)
  • Hillel Milwaukee
  • Historic Milwaukee, Inc.
  • Islands of Brilliance
  • Journey House, Inc.
  • Kathy’s House
  • Kinship Community Food Center (formerly Riverwest Food Pantry)
  • Luther Manor
  • Menomonee Valley Partners, Inc.
  • Meta House, Inc.
  • Milwaukee Center For Independence
  • Milwaukee County Historical Society
  • Milwaukee Tennis & Education Foundation
  • Milwaukee Water Commons
  • Near West Side Partners, Inc.
  • Nearby Nature Milwaukee
  • Project Kindred
  • Radio Milwaukee
  • Reflo
  • Riveredge Nature Center
  • Running Rebels Community Organization
  • Safe and Sound
  • Sojourner Family Peace Center
  • Southside Organizing Center
  • Teens Grow Greens
  • The Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail
  • United Methodist Children’s Services
  • United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee
  • Urban Ecology Center
  • Walker’s Point Youth & Family Center
  • WAVE Educational Fund
  • Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education
  • Wisconsin Parkinson Association
  • Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee
  • Woodland Pattern Book Center
  • Zeidler Group, Inc.

More information and direct links to give to your preferred non-profit can be found at givingfirstday.org.

Kids Golf Free at Noyes Park Golf Course Thanks to New Partnership

First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin and Milwaukee County Parks offer increased access for youth golfers

First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin and Milwaukee County Parks are excited to announce that kids can now golf free at Noyes Park Golf Course in Milwaukee. Thanks to a new partnership between the two organizations, junior golfers under 18 years old will be welcomed to play at no cost for the remainder of the 2022 golf season and for the full 2023 golf season.

“We are thrilled to partner with Milwaukee County Parks on this exciting program to make golf more accessible for kids in our community,” said Inge Plautz, First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin board president. “We know that cost can be a significant barrier for those learning the game, and we want to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate. Noyes is a tremendous community asset and an outstanding facility for kids and families to play and practice. We are so appreciative of our partnership with Milwaukee County Parks and their support of our vision that all kids in Southeast Wisconsin have the opportunity to build their strength of character through the game of golf.“

The green fees will remain the same for all other golfers. The nine-hole rate is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors and players with a disability.

“We have had an excellent relationship with First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin for many years and are excited to continue the relationship with this new partnership,” said Guy D. Smith, Milwaukee County Parks Executive Director. “Milwaukee County Parks is committed to making facilities and attractions accessible to all visitors and First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin’s vision to remove cost barriers for junior golfers aligns well with our mission. Golf is an excellent way for kids to get outdoors, build character, improve mental health, appreciate nature, and so much more. We truly appreciate the work First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin does to impact young people in our community through the game of golf and we look forward to continuing our work with them for the benefit of the community.”

Noyes Park Golf Course is a nine-hole par 3 course located within Noyes Park on Milwaukee’s northwest side and home to First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin programs. Holes play between 87 and 110 yards. Noyes is one of three par 3 courses within the Milwaukee County Parks award-winning golf course system and one of 13 total golf courses.

For more information about First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin and Noyes Park Golf Course, visit https://firstteesoutheastwisconsin.org/noyes/.

Noyes Park Golf Course

Part-Time Coaches Wanted!

Lend a hand and make a difference

Without caring mentors, positive youth development just doesn’t happen. At First Tee, we take coaching seriously. We believe that a meaningful, quality relationship between coach and participant is vital to our program. We are looking for outstanding individuals to serve in a variety of part-time coaching roles throughout our chapter programs. You don’t have to be a golf pro or even a good golfer. With First Tee Coach Program, we provide the training you need. Developed with input from leading experts in the field of positive youth development, our program focuses on empowering participants through decision-making and exploring options. This helps foster positive relationships between coaches and young people, inspiring the golfers of tomorrow to look to the future, set goals, and unlock their potential. If you, or someone you know, would make a great First Tee Coach, we want to hear from you! Click here to view our Coach job description. Click here to view our Coach job description. For more information or to apply, please contact chapter program director Tom Gerke, PGA at [email protected]. Coach Job Description Interested in volunteer opportunities? Click here to learn more.  

New partnership with WSGA provides free Youth on Course memberships

First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin is excited to partner with the Wisconsin State Golf Association to offer free Youth on Course memberships to all of our 2021 Birdie Level participants.  Belonging to the Youth on Course community gives members access to play golf at over 30 participating courses in Wisconsin and over 1,400 golf courses nationwide for $5 or less, giving them opportunities to learn lessons that can be taught in a way only a golf course can.  Whether it’s early morning, after school or twilight hours, golf course partners offer up blocks of tee times throughout the week for Youth on Course members. Youth on Course subsidizes the cost of the rounds to keep the price tag affordable for young golfers. Youth on Course is available in all 50 states and parts of Canada. This partnership supports our shared vision that every child deserves access to life-changing opportunities. Benefits of Youth on Course memberships include: 
  • Play golf for $5 or less at YOC Clubs in Wisconsin and nationwide
  • Membership in the Wisconsin State Golf Association so you can keep track of your handicap and participate in local events
  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Access to more courses plus online tee time booking through GolfNow
  • Coming Soon: A free 1-year subscription to GolfPass Video with golf instruction and exclusive content
  • Handicap Index through the WSGA service
  • Subscription to the Wisconsin Golfer digital magazine
  • Score posting using the WSGA Mobile App or online
  • Eligibility to play in WSGA tournaments, championships, tours, and events
A complete list of participating courses is available here. A map of participating courses is available here. View Frequently Asked Questions

10 Amazing Things Donors Made Possible in 2020

As 2020 comes to a close, we at First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin have been reflecting back on the events of the past year. While it goes without saying that this year has had the world facing challenges no one could have anticipated, we have chosen to focus on the positive. With the support of our generous donors, we were able to continue to reach out to the kids in our community while at the same time adapting to our community’s changing needs. Whether it was creating online programming content to keep kids engaged with First Tee curriculum while at home or providing summer programming at our Noyes and Lake Park sites at free and reduced rates, donor support made this possible. First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin exists to enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. The events of 2020 have reinforced the need for programs like First Tee that lift up, support and encourage kids to stand strong and grow during challenging situations.

As we look ahead to 2021, please consider a year-end donation to First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin. Your gift allows us to provide more opportunities where young people feel supported, safe and better prepared for anything that comes their way. Together, we are Building Game Changers! Donate Online – Give the gift of golf to more kids today!  

Chipping In – Fall 2020

Chipping In, our donor and supporter newsletter, highlights the ways your contributions are making a difference in the lives of kids through the game of golf. Contents:
  • Keeping kids on course
  • President’s message
  • Same mission, new look
  • An everlasting impact
  • Volunteer spotlight
  • New Community Program partners
  • Game Changers Circle
View Chipping In – Spring 2020  

Same Mission, New Look for First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin

First Tee —­­ Southeast Wisconsin, a youth development organization empowering kids to build their strength of character through the game of golf, has updated its brand to better serve kids and address the growing pressures they face. First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin is part of a network of 150 chapters and is undergoing a brand refresh for the first time in the organization’s 23-year history. “First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin has always been about helping kids navigate challenges, and to grow stronger as they move through them,” said David Cohn, Executive Director. “We still believe the game of golf is the perfect platform for personal growth. We are excited to bring forward a powerful mission and a modern look and feel to everything we do.” The brand evolution is grounded in research and insights from key stakeholders and is an updated reflection of First Tee’s promise to help empower kids to build their strength of character. The brand evolution includes a new logo, which is a metaphor for the growth guidance at the heart of First Tee. The changes include removing “The” from the organization’s name, updated colors and patterns, and a refreshed brand story. First Tee will release a new PSA on Sept. 4, which brings to life the new brand and reignites interest in its mission. For over 20 years, First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin has been creating experiences that build character to empower kids through a lifetime of new challenges and continuous personal growth. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin creates active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. These character education programs are offered at seven golf courses, 46 schools and nine youth centers in Southeast Wisconsin community.

Chipping In – Spring 2020

Chipping In, our new donor and supporter newsletter, highlights the ways your contributions are making a difference in the lives of kids through the game of golf. Contents:
  • Sharing the game with Neighborhood House
  • President’s message
  • Core Value corner
  • Game growers
  • 2020 summer programs
  • Alumni spotlight
  • New school partners
  • You’re invited – 2020 signature events
View Chipping In – Spring 2020  

First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin Launches First Tee at Home

The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin has launched First Tee at Home, an online resource for parents, kids and families featuring golf-themed activities, games and more. First Tee at Home is available on the First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin’s website at www.firstteesoutheastwisconsin.org/programs/first-tee-at-home/. Many of the First Tee at Home activities focus on the First Tee’s life skills curriculum and concepts including the First Tee Nine Core Values and Nine Healthy Habits. The activities are designed for kids to follow at home, without a need for golf-specific equipment. Activities and resources are also being shared on the First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin’s social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram). Over the next few weeks, First Tee at Home will be updated with even more activities and games that will help keep the minds and bodies of local kids active at home. Participants are encouraged to share their accomplishments on social media by tagging @FirstTeeSEW and using the hashtag #GolfAtHome. “The First Tee values are even more important right now and remain a key focus of the First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin’s outreach to children and their families during times of challenge and uncertainty,” said David Cohn, executive director at the First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin. “By reimagining the ways in which we connect with kids, we continue to work hard to share positive traits with young people through the game of golf. Whether shared virtually or in-person, these traits continue to teach our kids to become better people and help them live their healthiest, most fulfilling lives.” First Tee at Home content is also being used to adapt the First Tee National School Program to a virtual learning environment. The First Tee National School Program helps students develop an appreciation for the positive personal and social values associated with golf. Through an introduction to golf, students engage in safe, fun lesson activities that lead to motor skill development while gaining an introduction to a lifelong recreation and health-enhancing activity. By sharing First Tee at Home resources with students, local elementary school physical teachers are offering new ways to keep their kids active and healthy at home. “The First Tee of Southeastern Wisconsin has worked to continue to assist schools and students with high quality curriculum during this challenging time,” said Tim Mueller, physical education teacher at Erin School. I am very thankful to be able to partner with the First Tee and have their golf at home resources to share with my students.  Providing at-home golf and fitness activities, as well as continuing to encourage my students to developing the Nine Core Values and the Nine Healthy Habits, has been a big blessing. The First Tee continues to prove to be an outstanding program with valuable resources and curriculum for all students.” For more information about First Tee at Home, click here.

Milwaukee Academy of Science and The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin Team Up to Help Students Learn Golf Skills with Life Lessons

Elementary school students at Milwaukee Academy of Science (MAS) will be introduced to the basic skills of golf along with character and health education in their physical education program. Milwaukee Academy of Science is teaming up with The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin to implement The First Tee National School Program. It will be taught by physical educators using safe, fun lesson plans provided in the program’s curriculum. In addition to teaching golf skills, including putting, chipping, pitching and full swings, health activities will help students to learn about physical, social and emotional wellness. “We are always looking for ways to overlap our physical activity opportunities with social-emotional learning here at MAS, so The First Tee is the perfect organization for us to work with to achieve both,” said Kurt Hansen, physical education teacher at Milwaukee Academy of Science. “The golf curriculum and equipment are so much more than just sports equipment to us; they are a way to teach and reinforce the key concepts that The First Tee promotes, like integrity, respect, perseverance, and making healthy choices. We are so grateful to kick off this new partnership.” “We are excited to partner with Milwaukee Academy of Science to bring The First Tee National School Program to their students,” said Tom Gerke, The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin’s program director. “Their dedication to teaching values and life skills to their students aligns perfectly with The First Tee Nine Core Values and Nine Healthy Habits. By introducing the game of golf and its inherent principles, the program will help Milwaukee Academy of Science continue to develop their students into outstanding citizens within our community.” Launched in 2004, The First Tee National School Program helps students develop an appreciation for the positive personal and social values associated with golf. Students engage in safe, fun lesson activities that lead to motor skill development and while gaining an introduction to a lifelong recreation and health-enhancing activity. The curriculum was developed by The First Tee along with leading experts in physical education and positive youth development. It is aligned with and meets national standards developed by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE). Physical educators delivering the program are formally trained and certified by The First Tee and use safe, developmentally-appropriate lesson plans and equipment in their classes. Funding for the program was provided by Milwaukee Academy of Science and The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin. Nationwide, more than 8,000 schools in 1,200 school districts have introduced to The First Tee National School Program. In Southeast Wisconsin, more than 75 schools have implemented the program. For more information about The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin and The First Tee National School Program, visit www.thefirstteesew.org. For more about Milwaukee Academy of Science, visit www.milwaukeeacademyofscience.org.

New research highlights The First Tee’s impact on and off the course

The First Tee has published new national research highlighting the positive impact The First Tee and its programs are making for participants on and off the course. The survey asked participants to answer two questions, “Because of The First Tee, I…” and “Provide an example of an adult mentor relationship at The First Tee that has been significant to you and explain why.” Highlights include:
  • 87% of participants say they have an improved sense of empowerment
    • “Gave me a greater sense of confidence.”
    • “Taught me perseverance…to never give up.”
  • 85% have personal ownership of The First Tee’s Nine Core Values
    • Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy
  • 81% demonstrate self-improvement/personal transformation
    • “I’m making better decisions.”
    • “I’ve become a better version of myself.”
This success is reflected locally as well. In a recent survey of 2018 program participant parents, 81% of respondents said that their children benefited from The First Tee character education. These parents described this impact by saying:
  • “[My child] improved golf skills, etiquette and confidence.”
  • “They have learned respect, patience.”
  • “It has built his confidence and social skills and created a foundation of motivation to strive for success.”
The First Tee is making a difference here in Southeast Wisconsin through the game of golf. For more information on how you can get involved, visit firstteesoutheastwisconsin.org. View Research