Tampa, FL (May 2024) - First Tee - Tampa Bay, an official program of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, recently held their 7th annual Gala and Live Auction at the Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club, sponsored by Foley & Lardner LLP. Thanks to the generous donors, golf enthusiasts, community leaders and philanthropists who came from Bay to Bay to support the transformational program, the Gala raised $1.7M!
Fred Ridley, First Tee Tampa Bay Board member and Partner at Foley & Lardner LLP, expressed his continued support for the First Tee chapter, calling the Gala the “premier charity event of the year in Tampa Bay.” Fred added that Foley & Lardner LLP is proud to be affiliated with what he believes is the country's strongest chapter of First Tee programs.
The Gala featured a live and silent auction and a “fireside chat” with golf legends Nick Price and Gary Koch. Gary shared updates about the new Short Course at Rogers Park and how it serves First Tee kids and the public. A video of First Tee youth golfers on the course can be viewed here.
Several First Tee high school seniors were on stage, who received $10,000 in college scholarships through First Tee - Tampa Bay. The remarkable funds raised from the event will allow First Tee - Tampa Bay to continue its mission of impacting the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through golf.
For more information, please contact:
Hannah Oliver
Senior Communications Manager
Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA | First Tee – Tampa Bay
Hannah.Oliver@TampaYMCA.org
207.939.0488
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About the Tampa Y
The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is a cause-driven 4-star charity, strengthening Hillsborough and East Pasco communities for 130 years, through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the Association, 18 facilities engage 160,000+ men, women and children — regardless of age, income or background — to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve our community’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Tampa Y has long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.