Growing Through Challenge

Never has this been truer for those that call Western North Carolina home. The damage left by Hurricane Helene in our communities is devastating. The loss of life and property is unprecedented and recovery and re-building will take years.

WNC residents have lost friends and loved ones, homes have been damaged or destroyed, schools are closed and normal lives have been completely turned upside down.

Like so many in the area, First Tee programs in Western North Carolina were greatly affected. Both of our program sites (Asheville Municipal and Mountain Glen) suffered major damage and are closed for the foreseeable future.

While the country’s response to our immediate needs has been overwhelming and positive, we have to dig deep and move forward. It’s times like these, when everything else is stripped away, that we are forced to rely on what’s inside of us.

At First Tee, we love golf because it shows us what we’re made of and develops character. We can dig deep when the game gets tough and we embrace that obstacles are a part of every round we play, no matter the course.

Programs like First Tee, that provide kids healthy outlets and positive life skills are more important than ever!

So, it’s in this spirit that we’re asking for your help. Please consider donating to our chapter’s Hurricane Helene Youth Recovery Fund. 100% of the funds raised will stay in WNC. Our relief effort will be focused on improving not only the current situation for our students, but their future as well.

Funds raised through this campaign will be used to help participants and families that have been displaced or otherwise affected get back on their feet through necessary home repairs and helping to facilitate day-to-day needs. We will also work with our program partners and locations to help with needed facility cleanup and repair. Finally, we will work for the future of First Tee in WNC by expanding our efforts to build game changers. In 2025, we will be waiving fees for all WNC programs to ensure anyone seeking positive outlets for kids will have the opportunity to participate.

Thank you for being a game changer and supporting kids in Western North Carolina when they need it most!

Sincerely,