What started in 2012 as a simple idea of designating a day that encourages people to do good, “GivingTuesday” has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity.
Held annually the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, this year’s GivingTuesday is on Dec. 1. The one-day event helps build awareness and support for a broad array of nonprofits, including the TGA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Golf Association that helps ensure golf in the Lone Star State continues to grow and prosper.
To put some “fun” in this year’s GivingTuesday fundraiser, the TGA will stage two simultaneous Play Days to benefit the TGA Foundation. The two host clubs are Crown Colony Country Club in Lufkin and the Bridges Course at Firewheel Golf Park in Garland.
“Our GivingTuesday events are a chance to play some great golf courses and give back to the game that means so much to all of us,” TGA Foundation Managing Director Kelly Kilgo said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to get outside in the fresh air, have some fun, meet new people and help the TGA Foundation and its mission of fortifying the future of the game.”
The Play Days on Dec. 1 are open to TGA Members and their friends. All ages and handicap ranges are welcome, so grab some neighbors, work colleagues or your usual foursome and come celebrate GivingTuesday on the golf course. The format for both events is a two-person scramble with prizes awarded in Gross and Net Divisions. Participation in the good-natured competition is not required and turning in a scorecard is optional for those who just want to enjoy themselves.
All proceeds will go to the TGA Foundation. Contributions help support existing grass-roots junior golf development programs across the state, fund future expansion and enhance current TGA Foundation programs and initiatives including TGA Works, Bill Penn Grant, Winners’ Program, Golf 101, Doris Kallina/'Nez Muhleman Scholarship and Youth on Course (YOC), which provides young people with access to golf for $5 or less at designated facilities.
“Our big push going forward is to introduce YOC to other cities in Texas,” Kilgo said. “We launched a pilot program in January of 2020 in San Antonio and it has been a tremendous success. The TGA Foundation pays a subsidy to participating clubs which enables junior golfers to play for $5 or less, so raising money that will allow us to fund the expansion of YOC is a top priority.”
We hope you’ll be able to join us at one of the Play Days on Dec. 1 and help support the TGA Foundation or make a donation if you’re unable to be there in-person.
For more information on the GivingTuesday Play Days and online player registration, click here. For more information about the TGA Foundation and its junior golf development programs, click here. For more information on GivingTuesday, click here.