What a week for Youth on Course.
Sunday, November 13th, we began our 2nd Annual Online Auction. In 2015, we started the auction as a way to raise additional year-end funds to continue to provide access to life-changing opportunities to youth through golf. In that first year, we raised a notable $35,000. This year, with a better online platform, additional staff members, and some exciting items secured, we set our goal at $50,000.
Last night, we shattered our goal.
The auction ended Thursday, November 17th at 9PM PST and all of the Youth on Course staff members were glued to computers refreshing browsers like crazy and watching the bids pour in during the last few minutes. The clock struck 9 and we had raised more than $94,000 in five days. Because all of the items were generously donated, one hundred percent of the online auction profits to go directly to youth through our subsidized round program, high school employment opportunities, and college scholarships.
Items ranged from an all-inclusive South Africa trip with safari, to a round of golf with 2015 NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala, to stay-and-play packages at some of the America’s top golf destinations. All the auction items were donated by charitable donors, golf courses, and corporations including JetBlue, Pebble Beach Company, and Mantis Collection.
Now serving roughly 20,000 members in 12 states, Youth on Course offers youth ages 6-18 golf for $5 or less at hundreds of courses. In larger markets, participants are also eligible for paid high school job opportunities and college scholarships. Funds raised through the online auction allow Youth on Course to continue to reimburse rounds and support new regions.
“We’re sincerely humbled by the gracious, generous support of everyone who participated in the auction,” said Youth on Course Executive Director, Adam Heieck. “These funds will enable us to continue this sustained momentum. It’s exhilarating to see how many people value growing the game through access and ensuring that every child in the country has the option to play golf at an affordable rate.”
Thank you again to all that participated in our 2nd Annual Online Auction and to the generous item donors who made the event possible.