John Shippen Memorial Golf Foundation Receives NJSGA Youth Grant

The New Jersey State Golf Association annually provides grants to a number of local youth-related organizations through its Youth Foundation. These organizations, both golf and non-golf related, are recognized for their outstanding contributions to children throughout New Jersey.

The John Shippen Memorial Golf Foundation of Scotch Plains was one of 12 worthy charities that received a grant from the New Jersey State Golf Association’s Youth Foundation. The Foundation supports the John Shippen Youth Golf Academy with both a scholarship and lessons, equipment and tournament fees for young golfers.

The annual New Jersey State Golf Association Youth Foundation Pro-Am, held on July 10, 2017 at Metedeconk National Golf Club in Jackson, site of the 97th State Open, attracted 26 foursomes who contributed donations to benefit youth from around the state.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of a donation by the NJSGA Youth Foundation to the Jackson, N.J., Veterans Memorial Gardens; Metedeconk National Golf Club’s designated charity, for $5,000.

The Youth Foundation Pro-Am is the foundation’s biggest one-day fund-raiser. Combined with brisk sales of an annual raffle, the Youth Foundation was able to bequeath nearly $32,000 to 12 deserving youth-oriented charities in 2017.

“The importance of the Youth Foundation as a whole is our ability as our core principle to help worthy youth organizations with our grants around the State of New Jersey,” said Frank O’Brien, chairman of the NJSGA Youth Foundation.

In 2006, the NJSGA Youth Foundation was a founding partner in The First Tee of Essex County, helping construct its new facility in Weequahic Park in Newark. This program has been an enormous success for Newark’s inner-city youth, offering educational programs that promote character development and life-enriching values through the game of golf.

Beginning in 2010, the Youth Foundation broadened its support to reach additional organizations in New Jersey that strive to introduce children to the game of golf.

The Youth Foundation is continuing in its efforts to locate charities worthy of grants. Interested parties should fill out an application available on the www.NJSGA.org website.

With proceeds raised from the 2017 Youth Foundation Pro-Am, the primary fundraiser for youth programs, and the annual raffle, the NJSGA Youth Foundation provided grants to the following non-profit organizations that help the NJSGA further this mission:

• Veterans Memorial Garden, Jackson, N.J. (MNGC designated charity)
• Jersey Shore Council of the Boys Scouts of America
• New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association (sponsorship of state high school championships; awarding of scholarship to a boy and girl golfer)
• ARC of Essex County
• LPGA/USGA Girls Golf of Greater Newark
• The First Tee of Essex County
• The First Tee of Raritan Valley
• The First Tee of Monmouth and Ocean counties
• CYO of Mercer County
• Par Fore of Kean University, Union, N.J.
• John Shippen Youth Golf Academy
• Horizon High School, Livingston, N.J.