The Congaree Golf Club is hosting the CJ Cup October 20-23, and Golf Today is shining some well-deserved light on their philanthropic mission, the Congaree Global Golf Initiative (CGGI). The above interview features CGGI and First Tee – Greater Charleston alumna Kharynton Beggs.
In the interview, Khraynton shares personal struggles with doubt in the wake of her father’s passing (2016) and a taxing back injury. A gifted golfer, Kharynton was nearly ready to give up on competitive play her junior year of high school, but with CGGI and First Tee support, she was able to get back in the game. She now plays at Oglethorpe University and describes the experience as “life-changing.”
Kharynton represented First Tee – Greater Charleston in the 2018 PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach. When Golf Today hosts praised her for a challenging par 3 on the 17th hole, she offered this advice… “Don’t underestimate the wind.”
The First Tee Family is SO PROUD of Kharynton, and we know that she will accomplish great things in the “real world” when she graduates from Oglethorpe next spring!
In recognition of First Tee’s 25th anniversary, The United States Golf Association has awarded IDEA grants to 25 of the 150+ First Tee chapters across America, including First Tee – Greater Charleston.
The IDEA Grant delivers direct funding to community-based programs that break down barriers to participation in golf and expand access to First Tee character-building curriculum. This year, 25 chapters were awarded funds to provide transportation, hire diverse coaches, train volunteers and build programs in diverse communities. First Tee – Greater Charleston received a $10,000 IDEA grant to expand its Game Changers Immersion Program, a needs-based golf and STEAM initiative that launched in 2021.
“This year’s IDEA grants are the latest milestone that reflect significant progress made to date in partnership with First Tee,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA. “The best way to introduce youth to the game is by meeting them where they are in their communities, and we are going to continue to drive resources toward the local level to ensure a more accessible and inclusive game for generations to come.”
This is First Tee – Greater Charleston’s second year receiving the USGA IDEA Grant. The local 501(c)(3) received $10,000 in 2021 as seed money for the Game Changers Immersion Program. That investment, along with generous community support, sponsored eight rising 6th graders who now participate in year-round programming–a full-day camp Monday-Friday each summer and continued golf/enrichment on Saturdays throughout the school year.
With continued community and USGA support, First Tee – Greater Charleston added eight new rising 6th graders in summer 2022 and hired a full-time staff member, Coach Lerone Johnson, to lead Game Changers and spearhead additional DEI efforts.
Bucky Dudley, Executive Director of First Tee – Greater Charleston says, “The Game Changers program seamlessly incorporates STEAM enrichment activities, field trips, free meals, transportation, and mentoring to the foundation of our sport-based character education program. The positive response from families is a testament to the impact this program is making in the lives of young people in our community.“
Did you know that First Tee – Greater Charleston offers program scholarships to all active and retired military families? It’s a small way to say thank you to those who have served, and generous community support makes that possible.
Folds of Honor, a nonprofit that provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of service members who have fallen or been disabled while in the United States Armed Forces, likes what we’re doing. To help us serve as many families as possible, they have generously shared two VIP tickets to Palmetto Freedom Fest on November 4th and 5th, and we’re raffling those off to some lucky winner!
Raffle closes at 3:00pm October 24, 2022. Keep scrolling to buy-in!
Don’t want to take a chance in the raffle? Purchase VIP tickets to support Folds of Honor!
VIP Package Details
2 Tickets for VIP Freedom Fest Lawn Party Featuring Lauren Hall and Edwin McCain Friday, November 4th | 6:00p Credit One Stadium Lawn, Daniel Island SC
2 Tickets for 2nd Annual Palmetto Freedom FestFeaturing Lee Brice and Big & Rich Saturday, November 5th | 7:30p Credit One Stadium, Daniel Island SC
Private Transportation to and from BOTH EventsProvided by Coastal Limo Friday, November 4th & Saturday, November 5th
Every Raffle Ticket Helps
You must be 18 years or older to enter the Palmetto Freedom Fest VIP Package Raffle. Raffle closes at 3:00pm Monday, October 24, 2022. Winner will be notified via email. Failure to respond to email or phone call will result in forfeiture of prize. Raffle tickets cannot be refunded. Prize cannot be transferred or redeemed for cash value. No rainchecks. Transportation, pickup and drop-off location, must be approved by Coastal Limo before November 4, 2022. Additional terms and conditions may apply.
Join your favorite breweries at Shadowmoss Golf and Country Club in West Ashley for the Charleston Beer Week: Round of Beers tournament! Tournament proceeds will help fund First Tee programs for Charleston area youth. Entry includes 18 holes, a “beer buffet,” two meals, custom tee gifts, and raffle prizes.
Tournament Details
4 Person Scramble | $600 Per Team Benefitting First Tee – Greater Charleston
Shadowmoss Golf and Country Club 21 Dunvegan Drive, Charleston, SC 29414
Please Note: You must be 21 or over to participate. Event is a rain or shine. There are no refunds. All proceeds will go to support First Tee – Greater Charleston.
First Tee – Greater Charleston is a 501(c)3 youth development nonprofit that serves Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester county children by providing character education programming through the game of golf. They serve over 15,000 kids annually by breaking down barriers for children from all walks of life by providing programs, transportation, equipment, access to golf courses, and safe spaces. All money raised for First Tee – Greater Charleston stays local and goes directly back into improving the lives of kids in the Charleston community.
Thank you for your support!
Tournament SOLD OUT! To join the wait list, please complete the registration and make payment. We will notify you if your team gets in and if you do not, we will refund your registration.
