FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                         Name:  Cathy Wagner, Director West Region Affairs
                                                                    Number: 866-453-8337 or cell: 206-898-3866
                                                                    Email address: cwagner@thefirsttee.org
 

MERIDIAN VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB  RAISES  DOLLARS TO LAUNCH
THE FIRST TEE NATIONAL SCHOOL PROGRAM
IN THE KENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

 Program teaches character values through golf

KENT, WA- Meridian Valley Country Club today announced the results of a  fundraiser to bring The First Tee National School Program to the Kent School District.  The National School Program is an initiative of The First Tee, which promotes character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.

On August 16, 2008 Meridian Valley Country Club members  participated in the “Realize the Dream” golf and auction fundraiser. The members raised $104,000 and will be able to bring the program to all 28 elementary schools in Kent.  It is  the first private club in the country to give support to a local school district in this manner. 

“By supporting this program, through the generosity and willing participation, the members of Meridian Valley Country Club are giving back to our community in a positive way,” says Jeff Huget, President of Meridian Valley Country Club.  “What better way to benefit, not only the lives of children involved, but also the community in which we live.” 

The focus of The First Tee National School Program is to establish a lifelong interest in golf by engaging young people in a structured golf curriculum that promotes personal character development within a physical education setting during elementary school. 

“On behalf of the children of the Kent School District I would like to thank Meridian Valley Country Club for their support of this program.  This is a wonderful opportunity for some of our most needy students to share a golfing experience that would have been unlikely in their family situations” says Dr. Barbara Grohe, Superintendent, Kent School District.  “Our community will certainly benefit from the core values these young, upcoming citizens are developing.”  
 
The golf community and physical education teachers know it is important for kids to learn activities that provide lifetime benefits while integrating strong character values. The National School Program emphasizes The First Tee Nine Core Values: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment. 
Robin Lorain, assistant golf professional at Meridian Valley Country Club, inspired other members to get involved after she volunteered her time at several elementary schools.  “Golf teaches very valuable traits and characteristics, things that are going to be important to you in everyday life,” Lorain said.  “This will teach the students to be more confident and help them see the results from their judgment.”

Katie Haley, a member of Meridian Valley Country Club and chairperson of the fundraiser said, “I’m so excited to have the opportunity to introduce the game we all love to young people who never thought it was possible to have a chance to play.” 

“We are extremely pleased with the effort of Meridian Valley Country Club,” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive officer of The First Tee.  “They have set a wonderful example for other country clubs to give back to the young people in their communities.  

About The First Tee
The First Tee (www.thefirsttee.org) is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Augustine, Fla. at World Golf Village, home of the World Golf Hall of Fame. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 2.2 million participants and students in 48 states and four international locations – Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and Singapore.  Former President George Bush serves as honorary chairman.  The Founding Partners of The First Tee are Augusta National Golf Club, the LPGA, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, and United States Golf Association.

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About Meridian Valley Country Club
Located centrally between Seattle and Tacoma. Meridian Valley, www.meridianvalleycc.com was designed by Ted Robinson and opened for play in 1967. Over the years the quality of the course has improved significantly, and has matured into the first class facility that it is today. We were the home to the LPGA's Safeco Classic for 18 years. The fine-tuning and maintenance of our course is in the capable hands of our greens superintendent, Craig Benson. Thanks to his meticulous care, your playing experience will not only be enjoyable, but also both challenging and rewarding. Our professional staff, under the leadership of Craig McCrone our General Manager, and Greg Manley our Head PGA Professional, is determined to insure that your visit to Meridian Valley will truly be an enjoyable and memorable experience.