Kroc Center will not absorb Great River First Tee

Kroc Center will not absorb Great River First Tee

9 months, 4 weeks ago

Local chapter of golf program ran out of funding earlier this year

Quincy Salvation Army officials say they will not take over the Great River First Tee program.

The local chapter of the national youth golf initiative started in 1999, but folded in May because of a lack of funding. The Great River First Tee Board of Directors began talks with the Kroc Center about that time for them to possibly operate the local chapter.

About 200 kids took part in First Tee locally last year.

From Chad Rodgers of the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center:

"Following a great deal of research and discussion, The Salvation Army Kroc Center has determined that we will not be able to offer The First Tee program in Quincy within the foreseeable future.  

Although a very difficult decision, it was extremely apparent that the financial issues which the former chapter of The First Tee experienced would also inhibit our ability to provide a quality program at a reasonable cost for our local youth.  

Unfortunately, The First Tee does not currently provide funding for new or fledgling chapters.  Without a significant source of financial backing, The Salvation Army simply cannot take on this endeavor as this time.  

The First Tee is a tremendous organization and one we will consider working with in the future.  

In the meantime, the Kroc Center will continue to offer quality youth programs and will strive to enhance youth golf programs in the Quincy area within the scope of our current resources."