Children’s Course & First Tee Greater Portland See Silver Lining During Covid-19 Pandemic

Amy Troy

Portland, OR. The Children’s Course & First Tee – Greater Portland celebrated its 25th anniversary by holding a virtual Wine & Golf Ball auction. For two years now the annual auction had to be held online. Former KPTV news anchor Amy Troy was the emcee for the live-streaming event on April 14th. It grossed $246,000.

The mission of The Children’s Course/The First Tee – Greater Portland is to provide children–particularly underprivileged, at-risk, low-to-moderate income, and special needs youth–the opportunity to participate in educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

Executive Director of the Children’s Course, Marti Loeb addressed supporters during the online gala and explained how the nonprofit found a silver lining in 2020. “It allowed for safe social distancing for our young people and getting them out of doors into fresh air during a pandemic.”

Duncan and Cindy Campbell offered a $25,000 matching gift challenge

In 1996 founder, Duncan Campbell and his wife Cindy had the vision to create a golf course that would be dedicated to children. The Children’s Course was born from this vision. Providing a location for children to learn and play the game of golf was just part of Duncan’s plan. He envisioned using golf to provide positive youth development. That’s what the Children’s Course does today.

Volunteer Coach Stephanie Murphy and her student Da’ Vonnie explain the benefits of the nonprofit.

The Children’s Course operates as a non-profit 501 (c) (3), and is funded by private donations from foundations, corporations, and individuals.

From First Tee & First Tee Greater Portland:

The Children’s Course eventually partnered with the national organization, First Tee and has embraced its Core Values. Our mission is to impact the lives of kids ages 4-18 by providing learning facilities and educational programs. The game of golf helps to instill integrity and make people of rich character.

The golf course is home to the First Tee – Greater Portland, which provides young people with character-building and life skills lessons using golf as the platform.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.