Join Caddie Society
A caddie’s role is defined as one who assists his or her player in succeeding during a round of golf. Every day, First Tee – Greater Charlotte carries out its mission to assist our young people in succeeding in life by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. This is possible thanks to the spirit and loyalty of the people who care for this organization. People like you.
The Caddie Society celebrates the bond that is shared by friends of First Tee – Greater Charlotte. It is a giving society that honors our love of the game of golf, passion for the youth in our area, and our desire to make our community a better place. Gifts at the Caddie Society will ensure that our organization will be able to continue to advance our mission and reach more young people in the years to come.
Your passion and support for First Tee – Greater Charlotte opens a world of possibilities for our participants and the students in the area schools we serve. Thank you for your commitment. Together, we are building game changers!
Your donation of $1,000 or more will grant membership and recognition within the Caddie Society for one year and can be renewed year after year. Make a one time donation of $1,000 or more or set up a recurring monthly donation of $83.33.
If you would like to mail your donation, please address it to PO Box 19469 Charlotte, NC 28219.
First Tee – Greater Charlotte is a 501(c)3 non-profit. EIN 56-2245026.
For questions, please contact Daniel Fogarty at [email protected].
Caddie Society Members Making A Difference
The fact that brothers Colby and Parker Townsend have time for First Tee – Greater Charlotte is a story itself.
Between their ice hockey commitments, their involvement in the Naval Sea Cadets corps, their work in mentorship programs, Colby’s certification in ropes rescue work and Parker’s training to be a pilot, they could be excused if they wanted some time to hang out and just be teenagers. They get some of that but their involvement with First Tee – Greater Charlotte has helped underpin their busy lives.
“Colby’s heart is for service and using his First Tee skills was his calling,” Kristen Townsend said of her 16-year old son. Both Colby and 14-year old Parker have aspirations beyond golf but what they have learned since joining First Tee – Greater Charlotte five years ago, aided by the Caddie Society, has been instrumental in their development. “I am so appreciative of each and every opportunity I’ve had as part of First Tee. I am also a competitive ice hockey player, therefore, I likely wouldn’t have been able to participate in golf as much as I do currently if it wasn’t for the amazing donations,” Colby said. “I recognize the importance of that partnership so not only am I involved as a participant, but I also volunteer my time as a youth coach in order to give back to the program that has shaped my life and given so much to me.” The same goes for his younger brother. “I am so grateful that I am able to spend time at the golf course and participate in clinics far more regularly than I may have without the generosity of donations,” Parker said. “I’m not going to be a college or professional golfer, and that’s okay, but because I can just play the game more often, I’ve experienced the joy that comes from the golf as well as received the mentorship of so many First Tee – Greater Charlotte employees and volunteers. Those relationships are worth so much to me and I know I’m a better person for being a part of First Tee.”
Here’s a glimpse into Colby Townsend’s life: He wants to be a Coast Guard officer, does volunteer work with youngsters at First Tee – Greater Charlotte, is part of the mentorship program with the HV3 Foundation, is a member of the Naval Sea Cadets youth military program where he leads 20 cadets and was recently capped as a chief petty officer and he has been trained to do dangerous rope rescue missions. “I use the life skills I’ve learned at the First Tee and pass those along,” Colby said. He is also a member of the Denver junior fire department.
Parker Townsend is no less busy. He is also involved in the Naval Sea Cadets and the HV3 Foundation Mentorship Program. With a goal of becoming a commercial pilot, Parker attended FAA ground school this past summer. He is also active in theater, having acted in several plays.
“We are so appreciative of the impact First Tee has had on our family,” Kristen Townsend said. “I hope that Colby and Parker can continue these incredible relationships, and in the future be a part of impacting another young First Tee player’s story.”
2024 Caddie Society Members
| Clay Adams | John & Kate Beam | Keith Bell |
| Barr Blanton | Sam Bowles | Robert Brownlow |
| Will Caulder | Dallas Chapman | Greg & Donna Cox |
| Bryan Crutcher Jr. | George Dewey IV | Cameron Golden |
| Ike & Deede Grainger | William & Courtney Hyder | Jonathan & Anne Ishee |
| Lee Johnson | Bill Lovett | John & Anna McCoy |
| Lee McEntire | Patrick Melton | Sheila Molino |
| Whitaker Rose | Glenn Sherrill | Jackson Smith |
| Mark Thigpen | Jeff Thomas | Charles Thrift |
| Andrew Tucker | Paul Tucker | John Turner |
| Johnson & Katie Wagner | TJ & Maggie Wagner | Ed Weisiger Jr. & Betsy Fleming |
| Conor Murphy | Ed & Sally McMahan | Zack Sexton |
| Keith Butler | John Hollmeyer | Bill Thompson |
| Shippen Browne | Chandler England | Wes Martin |
| John Scott Sr. | Spence Whitman | William Anderson |
| Michael Smith | Scott Wooster | Shoff Allison |
| Robert Carter | Andrew Trotter | Steven Hinshaw |
| Arthur Roselle | Nicholas Langrall | Millice Ellerbe |
| Mary & Rad von Werssowetz | Jerry Barron | Jay Bilas |
| Art Gallagher | Jennifer & Jamie Doyle | Elizabeth Hobbs |
| Dale Hall | Mac & Andi Everett | Dan Warren |
| Bob Boykin | Brad Hurrell | Liz & Haynes Lea |
| Gayle & Charles Tallardy | Raleigh & Katy Shoemaker | Darius Adamczyk |
| Paige & Tom James | Tommy Hunter | Sean & Andrea Smith |
| Aaron Gillespie | Emily & David Harry | Brian Purcell |
| Jack Purcell | Susan & Strawn Cathcart | Hank & Anne Flint |
| Scott Wilson | Tyler Bankhead | Walker Collier |
| David Carroll | Bill & Susan Tome | Stuart & Katie Hicks |
| Addison & Randall Ayer | David McClure | Ramsay Schrum |
| Brian Bucci | Jason & Blair Hawley | James Olszowy |
| Michael Teague | Richard McGregor | Gregory Wilkerson |
| Kevin Kornegay | Graham Kauffman | Brian Boone |
| Jonathon Wylie | Greg Hackworth | Graham Robinson |
| Kevin McCarthy | Timothy Bell | Stephen & Anna Godwin |
| Kevin Tait | Timothy Casey | Thomas & Amy Sumner |
| John Soffronoff | Katherine Caggiano | Ron Green Jr. |
| Ray Killian Jr. | Lawrence O’Brien Jr. | Richard Bates |