That is the situation facing the Grandfathers for Golf program at Golden Era Golf Course, where a waiting list has grown because there are not enough volunteers to work with the kids.

Grandfathers for Golf is a volunteer-based program that teaches children to play golf. There is no cost to the parents, and donations are accepted but never required. And despite its name, you don’t have to be a grandfather—or even a golfer—to volunteer.

For more than 25 years, Grandfathers for Golf has been introducing children to a game they might otherwise never have the opportunity to experience. When a child joins the program, they receive a golf shirt, hat and a set of clubs of their own.

Over the years, hundreds of children have participated. Many have gone on to play on their school golf teams, several have received golf scholarships, and some have continued on to become golf professionals.

But the program needs more volunteers to keep giving kids that opportunity.

Tony Viola, past president of Grandfathers for Golf, knows firsthand what the program can mean to a child.

“This is a great program. Kids enjoy it and go on to play for the rest of their lives. I run into kids who say, ‘Mr. Viola, do you remember me?’ and I say, ‘Sure.’ Even though, when I knew them, they were a lot smaller than they are now.”

David Himenez, vice president of Grandfathers for Golf, has experienced similar moments.

“I had my Grandfathers for Golf shirt on when I went into a store and I ran into a young man who stopped me to tell me he used to be in Grandfathers and how much he appreciated it and enjoyed it. That made my day. That’s what we are all about.”

Ask any of the program’s volunteers why they give their time and you are likely to hear a similar answer: “It’s all about the kids.”

Golf teaches children more than how to hit a ball. Volunteers say the game also teaches manners, patience, discipline and skills they can carry with them throughout their lives.

Jeff Riley, the current president of Grandfathers for Golf, says volunteering is difficult to describe until you experience it yourself.

“Being a volunteer with Grandfathers is a rewarding experience. It’s hard to explain. But the smiles on their faces and the excitement they have for the game makes it all worthwhile. The kids are having fun with this game and they keep coming back to learn more.”

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Grandfathers for Golf program at Golden Era Golf Course currently has children waiting to participate. More volunteers are needed so those children can get on the course and learn the game.

You don’t have to be an experienced golfer to help. If you have an interest in helping children, the program would like to hear from you.

To volunteer with Grandfathers for Golf, call 951-692-1383 or visit www.grandfathersforgolf.org.

CHILDREN CAN ALSO REGISTER

If you have a child who would like to learn golf, registration is available online for the upcoming winter session beginning in November.

Visit: www.grandfathersforgolf.org

The post GRANDfathers for Golf Seeks Volunteers to Give Kids a Chance to Learn the Game appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Three different age groups of children from 10 months old to 18 took part in the race to see who could collect the most Easter eggs of the 1000 eggs that were generously donated by members of Rancho Replanted Foster Ministries and community partners like Albertsons off Hwy 79 in Temecula. In record time they all came running back to the clubhouse to count how many eggs they each found.

The day started with games for the kids to play around the outside of the clubhouse. 

Grandfathers for Golf was on hand and the budding golfers lined up at the practice green to get some putting lessons.  

After all the games the kids and their families had lunch which was provided by Grandfathers for Golf, the Community Pantry and Golden Era Productions. 

But the day was not over as after lunch there were raffle prizes for all the kids.  Every participating child walked away with an Easter Basket full of prizes. In addition Teen Road To Safety-Temecula, a Driving School gifted FREE online driving classes to the older youth. The grand prize was a shiny, new Mongoose bicycle from Willdebietz Music Conservatory in Hemet, which made a surprised mother and daughter very happy.

The foster mother, Jocelyn with tears in her eyes had this to share about the event, “Our family was invited to join this event as part of the foster care ministries in the area. Our daughter Emma was adopted out of foster care 6 years ago and we are currently fostering a different child with hopes of her becoming a permanent part of our family. This event was so much fun and my daughter was so excited to win a new bike and have her dad teach her how to ride a bike without training wheels. Much thanks to Rancho Replanted Foster Ministries and Willdebietz Music Conservatory for your extravagant generosity. We are so blessed by your donation and kindness – the smile on my daughter’s face says it all!! My heart is happy -thank you so much!! On behalf of our family Will, Jocelyn and Emma Atkins”

The post Local foster children hunt for Easter Eggs at the Golden Era Golf Course appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.