HONOLULU — There is still time to cast a bid during the online auction benefiting the Hawai‘i State Junior Golf Association, and First Tee-Hawai‘i because bidding closes on April 25 at noon.
A wide range of merchandise, including golf sports memorabilia, private resort rounds of golf, and experiences with celebrities are just some of the items up for bid at the auction at www.hsjga.org, and www.firstteehawaii.org. All of the proceeds go directly to supporting the initiatives of the Hawai‘i State Junior Golf Association, and First Tee-Hawai‘i.
Along with the traditional online auction bidding, two special categories — Raise the Paddle, and Fund-A-Program — are available. These categories outline the specific funding needs and programs where donations could potentially allow hundreds of children to achieve their goals.
As a 501c3 nonprofit youth-based organization in Hawai‘i, the HSJGA and First Tee-Hawai‘i are in operation because of private donations. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 created unforeseen challenges in fundraising that affected families and Junior Golf members resulting in the organization needing the support from the public.
Statewide HSJGA tournament competitions will be starting in the near future with 15 tournaments on schedule for this year. One of these tournaments, the All Ages-Junior Tour Series-Kaua‘i, tees off this weend at the Wailua Golf Course for Girls 13 to 18 years old, Boys 13 and 14 years old, and Boys 15 to 18 years old.
This tournament is a 36-hole event contested over two days, and will include golfers from around the state.
Kaua‘i golfers participating in the first round that tees off Saturday from 11 a.m. include Jessica Hreljac of Lihu‘e, Niki Upson of Princeville, Kiara Johnson of Lihu‘e, and Ike Tydingco of Kapa‘a playing in the Boys 13-14 flight.
Play continues on Sunday at the Wailua Golf Course.
First Tee-Hawai‘i programs are on O‘ahu, and recently launched on Kaua‘i with plans to expand to Maui and the Big Island in the next year. These advances could potentially bring hundreds of new junior golfers into the game.
FTH programs is for youth ages 5 through 17 where students are given professional instruction, discounted access to golf courses, practice facilities, and golf equipment. Children and teens will learn to play golf, life lessions, and leadership skills.
For information, visit www.hsjga.com, and www.firstteehawaii.org.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
