We have eleven female Scholars receiving support this year; a historic record for the Trust.  In October, we will host our 3^rd Annual Women’s Endowment Tournament at Sunnybrook Golf Club to raise both funds and awareness for the cause. Our J. Wood Platt community has shown immeasurable enthusiasm for this initiative, and we’re just getting started.

GAP continues to grow its reach and footprint. Thanks to our expanded mission to assist youth working in golf operations, we are beginning to see new Clubs represented among our ranks.  From John F. Byrne Golf Club to Frosty Valley Golf Links, the Service to Golf program allows us to support more youth from a wider geographic range.

Reaching youth at a younger age is critical for us to maximize our impact on our Scholars’ lives. It is with the help of our nonprofit partners that we can make these connections with local youth.  Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education has been instrumental in helping us introduce caddie and golf opportunities to high school students. By the time they are juniors, they are prepared and on track to apply for a scholarship.  The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia has also been a strong ally.  We are proud to include Scholars who hail from both organizations this year, and we are confident those number will grow in 2024-25.

Corporate connections are also a tremendous asset for the Trust and continue to grow. In 2023-24, we will look to formalize sponsorship opportunities through the EMPOWER Program and leverage these relationships to offer our Scholars direct access to career and leadership resources.  We continue to tell our Scholars and their parents that these connections are every bit as valuable as scholarship dollars.

On page 28, you will see our new list of Club Ambassadors.  These individuals have enthusiastically volunteered to help share the mission of the Trust with their Club members.  They are advocates for both caddies and youth who work in service to golf. Please thank these individuals when you see them on the course, as they are truly invaluable to our efforts.

Lastly, on page 23 we highlight our first annual Scholar Service Project, held in partnership with Cradles to Crayons.  As service and leadership becomes a core part of the EMPOWER Program, we will look to expand volunteer opportunities for our Scholars and continue to provide opportunities for our Scholars to help plan and orchestrate events.

We are grateful to all our friends of the Trust, new and old, and look forward to keeping you apprised of our progress in 2023–24. Because of you, the Trust remains committed and eager to fulfill our mission, while making our community better…one scholar at a time.

As always, we welcome your valued feedback and creative ideas to help the Trust’s fulfill its bold mission. As we work together to make a difference in the lives of our youth, please know we are both grateful and humbled by your passionate support and generosity.

Gratefully,

Tina Gregor