YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES One of the keys to healthy communities
is the formation of strategic and sustainable partnerships. The 2010 PGA Championship
Community Relations program would like to share some examples of organizations that are
working together for the betterment of youth with a common goal to help them develop the
tools to become productive citizens and enhance family life. Many PGA Professionals support
these organizations with golf programs specifically for wounded veterans and youth who
generally would not otherwise have the opportunity to play golf.
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF DANE
AND MANITOWOC COUNTIES
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and one of the most effective youth mentoring
organizations in the world. This Community Relations program would like to
recognize the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane and Manitowoc Counties and their
success in pairing youth and mentors. Both continue to drive toward fulfilling the
mission to help children reach their potential through professionally supported,
one-to-one relationships with mentors that have a measurable impact on youth.
The mentors are contributing to brighter futures, better schools, and stronger
communities. Many of the youth are from undesirable circumstances that in
many cases will yield undesirable results. The mentors, however, are very effective
in prevention and are helping youth to improve in academics and self confidence.
Keraa, now 15, met her Big Sister Anne at age 9. Both lost a parent, Keraa’s mother
and Anne’s father. Keraa shared her experience with Anne: “We would cry a lot the
first few months. Talking to her was like therapy. I was sad a lot but always anxious
to see Anne. Together we have done some pretty awesome things. Anne has taken
me horseback riding, to the Wisconsin Dells, bowling and Badger games. We also
spend time baking, shopping, going out to eat and playing Wii at her house. One
of the best things we did was go to a Jonas Brothers concert.
Anne has always been there for me. She has helped me with getting scholarships
and is always in the bleachers cheering me on when I play sports, and when I sing
in the choir, she is in the audience smiling. She helps and encourages me to do my
best. She is like the mom I never got to have. Anne is an amazing Big Sister and
I know our friendship will never end.”
Thank you so much for all the things you
provide not just for my children, but for
all the kids. Without you providing these
services and activities I would not be able
to afford them for my children. The match
that my son has is awesome! We couldn’t be
more thrilled with Justin and the changes in
my son. We wait patiently for matches for my
other son and daughter, but I still appreciate
them having the opportunity to enjoy the
monthly “Match Events.”
PERSONAL STORIES | A Parent’s Perspective and Little Sister’s Perspective
POTAWATOMI AREA COUNCIL BOY SCOUTS
The mission of the Potawatomi Area Council Boy Scouts is to prepare its 8,000
young people, supported by 3,500 volunteers, to make ethical and moral choices
that will enrich their lives. In 2010 the Boy Scouts of America celebrates its 100th
Anniversary! Over those 100 years, young men have learned leadership skills,
developed lifelong friendships and discovered the beauty of giving back to their
communities. One measure of this Council’s success is that over the past year,
109 Boy Scouts have earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting.
68 THE OFFICIAL PROGRAM OF THE 2010 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
