Tag: Michael Garcia

Fun, Fundraising at YouthQuest Golf Tournament

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Golfers at YouthQuest's 10th Annual Challenge at Trump National Golf Club August 10, 2015

“One day of golf will make a difference for America’s at-risk youth all year long.” YouthQuest supporters just proved that’s more than a slogan for us.

Players, sponsors and volunteers turned out in force in August 10 for the 10th Annual Challenge at Trump National Golf Club.

YouthQuest Co-Founder & President Lynda Mann with Tournament Chairman Bill Hall
YouthQuest Co-Founder & President Lynda Mann with Tournament Chairman Bill Hall

“We couldn’t have had a better event to celebrate our 10th tournament,” said Co-Founder and President Lynda Mann. “The venue, the service, the food, the support of all our participants … We couldn’t have asked for more.”

“During these 10 years, we’ve built a base of sponsors and supporters that understand the importance of our mission to help high school dropouts turn their lives around,” she added.

This year’s tournament will help power the growth of our signature STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education project, the 3D ThinkLink Initiative. Our lessons in 3D design and printing help at-risk kids develop sorely needed critical thinking and problem solving skills. Some of the proceeds from the event will go toward improving our 3D lab. We’re also upgrading our website to make the 3D ThinkLink curriculum available for purchase online.

In addition to the funds raised through tournament sponsorships, our silent auction and raffle were the most successful ever, bringing in more than twice as much as last year.

Twenty-five teams of golfers got the rare opportunity to experience the newly remodeled Championship Course at Trump National Golf Club, Washington, DC, where the Senior PGA Championship will be held in 2017.

The CrossFit PR Star team on the final hole at Trump National
The CrossFit PR Star team on the 18th hole

Many of the faces were familiar, but we were pleased to welcome plenty of new players. This year’s field included more women than ever before. And, as always, we had the help of our generous volunteers, many of them from AOC Solutions.

“People tell us they keep coming back because this is the best charity golf tournament they attend all year,” explained Lynda, citing the high quality of the venue and the services provided.

Tournament Committee Chairman Bill Hall praised Trump National Director of Golf Kevin Morris, event planner Mary Hudgins and event coordinator Vicky Kurasz, along with the caddies and the rest of the staff. Last-minute changes are inevitable for an event as large as this one. The Trump National team took it all in stride and delivered an outstanding experience for everyone.

Former MLB pitcher Pete Schourek is pretty handy with a golf club, too.
Former MLB pitcher Pete Schourek knows his way around the links, too.

The early morning drizzle ended just in time for Golf Entertainer Brad Denton get things started with an amazing trick shot demonstration. The weather remained mild – mercifully unlike a typical mid-August Monday in Washington – allowing the players to enjoy a pleasant day on the course.

Most foursomes were matched with a celebrity player. Our VIP guests included speaker and Emmy-winning broadcaster Jan Fox, Major League Baseball alumni Shawn Camp and Pete Schourek, Washington Redskins alumni coordinator Jerry Olsen and former players Mike Bragg, Brian Carpenter, Ricky Ervins, Pat Fischer, Ken Jenkins, Carl Kammerer, Ron McDole, Kirk Mee and Ted Vactor.

Author John Gilstrap at YouthQuest's 2015 Challenge at Trump National tournament reception
Author John Gilstrap signed his new book at the tournament reception

New York Times bestselling author John Gilstrap was with us again this year, signing copies of his new thriller Against All Enemies during the post-tournament reception. Our summer intern, Bria Toussaint, spoke at the reception about her own nonprofit, GRL-PWR, and Loudoun Youth, two organizations with close ties to YouthQuest.

The 10th Annual Challenge at Trump National was a success because of the generosity of our sponsors, silent auction donors, players and volunteers. Special thanks go out to tournament photographer Jeff Mauritzen, Copy General for printing the programs and Staybridge Suites in Chantilly for providing Brad Denton’s lodging.

We also are grateful to Michael Garcia and his staff at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in McLean, Va., for hosting our VIP Reception on August 6, at which we recognized Founders Award winner Scott MacDonald, Volunteer of the Year Edna Davis, Community Partner Derrick Campana of Animal Orthocare and 3D ThinkLink Strategic Partner Joe Travez of Prototype Productions, Inc. Learn more about our award winners here.

Make a note now to join us at the 11th Annual Challenge at Trump National on Monday, August 8, 2016.

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YouthQuest Golf Tournament Raises Funds to Help At-Risk Youth

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Waterfall and clubhouse at Trump National Golf Club, Washington, DC

It was a day of fun and fundraising as about 150 golfers, sponsors and volunteers took part in the Challenge at Trump National Aug. 11.

Tournament Committee Chairman Bill Hall hailed the ninth annual event as “another resounding success.”

Golf Entertainer Brad Denton demonstrates putting techniques at the 2014 Challenge at Trump National
Golf Entertainer Brad Denton shows players how to improve their short game

The tournament generated enough money to ensure that we will achieve our goal of opening a 3D printing lab at our headquarters in Chantilly, Va., by the end of this year, according to YouthQuest Co-Founder and President Lynda Mann. This is an important step in the growth of our 3D ThinkLink Initiative, which helps at-risk teens strengthen their creativity, critical thinking and problem solving skills.

After Golf Entertainer Brad Denton’s demonstration of putting techniques the pros use, the players headed out onto the Championship Course at Trump National Golf Club, Washington, DC. Thanks to General Manager Det Williams, Director of Golf Kevin Morris, event planner Vicky Kurasz and the rest of the excellent Trump National staff, everything ran smoothly on and off the course.

The VIP guests assigned to each team included retired Major League Soccer goalkeeper Mike Ammann, pitchers Pete Schourek and Shawn Camp from Major League Baseball, active and retired members of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brett Kayes and the always-supportive Washington Redskins alumni.

YouthQuest Co-Founder and President Lynda Mann presents Chris Eaton's Volunteer of the Year Award to his mother, Betty Eaton
Betty Eaton with Lynda Mann

The day wrapped up with an award ceremony and reception, where Chris Eaton was remembered with a posthumous Volunteer of the Year Award. Chris, who had served as a volunteer at the tournament every year since 2008, suffered a fatal heart attack while competing in a triathlon a week after last year’s Challenge at Trump National. His mother, Betty Eaton, accepted a plaque honoring him during our VIP Reception on Aug. 7.

Joey Darley of Joey’s Smiles Photography and Scene2bSeen received the 2014 Community Partner Award in recognition of his longstanding support for YouthQuest’s mission.

New York Times bestselling author John Gilstrap joined us at both receptions to sign copies of his new thriller, End Game. As part of the live auction at our 2012 wine event, John offered to put the highest bidder in the book.  Ryan and Tre Cage won the bidding and asked John to give the character their mother’s name. So while we know Jolaine Cage as a key YouthQuest volunteer, she’s a highly trained security specialist on the run in End Game.

3D ThinkLink Lab student Daikwon Jones explains his solar robot to Joy Gilstrap at YouthQuest's VIP Reception Aug. 7, 2014
Daikwon Jones explains his solar-powered robot to Joy Gilstrap at the VIP Reception

We’re grateful to Michael Garcia and his staff at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in McLean, Va., for hosting the VIP Reception again this year. It was a great opportunity for our supporters to meet some of the young people they’re helping through their contributions to YouthQuest.

Five students who were participating in a week of 3D ThinkLink Lab immersion training showed off their creations and told our guests about how they’ve benefited from being involved in our project.

Several new sponsors joined us this year, including Wells Fargo Private Bank, which sponsored Brad Denton’s appearance.

This tournament wouldn’t be possible without the work of our volunteers, led this year by John Bloom. We deeply appreciate the time and effort everyone devoted to making the event a success.

Because of the generosity of our supporters, YouthQuest is doing more than ever to provide academic and vocational development, infrastructure and life-enriching experiences for America’s at-risk youth.

Our next tournament will take place on Monday, August 10, 2015. Sponsors are already signing up and we’re working on plans to make the 10th annual Challenge at Trump National the best one yet.

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YouthQuest’s Charity Golf Tournament Was Biggest and Best Yet

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Brad Denton performs at YouthQuest's 2013 Challenge at Trump National Golf Course
The amazing Brad Denton

“It was a grand day for America’s at-risk youth,” says YouthQuest Foundation Co-Founder and President Lynda Mann.

The 8th Annual Challenge at Trump National Golf Club in Potomac Falls, Va., on Aug. 12 was YouthQuest’s most successful fundraiser ever.

“The weather was great, the event was great, people really enjoyed themselves,” says Lynda.

After watching a trick-shot performance by the always-entertaining Brad Denton, 115 golfers headed out for a shotgun start on Trump’s challenging Championship Course.

“It was the largest field of golfers we’ve ever had and there were more new sponsors than in previous years,” says YouthQuest Secretary Bill Hall.

Loudoun Hounds mascot Fetch at YouthQuest's 2013 Challenge at Trump National Golf Club
Fetch makes his tournament debut

One sign of the growing community support for our tournament was the presence of Fetch, the big, floppy-eared mascot for the Loudoun Hounds baseball team of the independent Atlantic League. While Fetch and his handlers from the Hounds greeted players on the 1st tee, representatives from the North American Soccer League’s Virginia Cavalry FC manned the 18th. This is the first year we’ve had the Hounds and Cavalry as tournament sponsors.

Both teams are part of VIP Sports & Entertainment, whose vice chairman is Joe Travez, a valued partner in our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education initiative. He’s the CEO of Prototype Productions, Inc. in Ashburn, which hosted a tour in June for the students in our first 3D printing class. Mr. Travez’s message to the teens from Maryland’s Freestate ChalleNGe Academy during their visit was inspirational and we hope to make PPI an integral part of our expanded STEM program.

The money raised through the golf tournament helps us provide academic and vocational development, infrastructure support and life-enriching experiences that give troubled teens the opportunity to fulfill their potential. Thanks to our supporters’ generous contributions, we will be able to reach many more students with our 3D printing project. We’ll also promote the growth of GRL-PWR, the girls’ empowerment program that came to our attention through our sponsorship of the Loudoun Youth Step Up competition.

Bill, who chairs the golf tournament committee, says what our guests learn about YouthQuest during the event makes a strong impression. He recalls one player from Hewlett-Packard telling him: “This is the kind of stuff we need to be supporting. This I can see makes a difference.”

Besides contributing to a good cause, players come back year after year because “it’s just a fun tournament,” says Lynda.

Washington Redskins alumni Mike Nelms, Roy Jefferson and Mike Bragg sign a football for Destination Cellars CEO David Keuhner and his son Jaden
Washington Redskins alumni Mike Nelms, Roy Jefferson and Mike Bragg sign a football for Destination Cellars CEO David Keuhner and his son, Jaden.

“The celebrities are always a big hit,” adds Bill. “One guy said ‘I’m a great Redskins fan, so try to put a Redskin with me,’ which we did.”

The Washington Redskins alumni are perennial favorites. Executive Director Jerry Olsen, Charley Taylor, Jimmie Jones, Mike Nelms, Roy Jefferson, Mike Bragg and Ravin Caldwell were on this year’s tournament roster.

Adding some sports diversity to the field of golfers, we also welcomed former Major League Baseball pitcher Pete Schourek, along with retired Major League Soccer goalkeepers Mike Ammann and Mark Simpson. Both used to play for DC United and Mark is now director of soccer operations for the Cavalry.

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Pete Schourek at YouthQuest's 2013 Challenge at Trump National Golf Course
Pete Schourek in action

We were also honored to have Fairfax City Chief Dave Rohr playing again this year, in addition to other local first responders. Representing Fairfax County Fire & Rescue were Deputy Chief Michael Reilly, retired Deputy Chief Glenn Benarick and retired firefighters Rand Gaber and Oliver Skinker.

After a sun-and-fun-filled day on the course, everyone cooled off at a reception and awards ceremony at the Trump National clubhouse.

Our Director of Training and Volunteer of the Year, Tom Meeks, demonstrated 3D printing and GRL-PWR Co-Founder Royal Phillips spoke about our partnership.

3D Systems Director of Social Impact Leanne Gluck accepted our Additive Manufacturing Strategic Partner Award. The company’s support has been essential in the development of our 3D printing project.  It provided the hardware the students use and hosted a tour of the plant where the Cube 3D printers are built.

Community Partner Awards went to the NFL Players Association and Washington Redskins Chapter of NFL Alumni, Inc., along with Michael Garcia, operating partner of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in McLean, Va., which hosted the tournament’s VIP reception on Aug. 8. Ritzert & Leyton, PC sponsored the VIP reception at Fleming’s.

Loudoun Youth's Jared Melvin putts as Lynda Mann and Redskins great Roy Jefferson watch at YouthQuest's 2013 Challenge at Trump National Golf Club
Loudoun Youth CEO Jared Melvin putts on the 1st green as Lynda Mann and Roy Jefferson watch.

The Foundation also awarded grants to Luke’s Wings and Loudoun Youth’s Step Up.

Luke’s Wings is a nonprofit organization that provides flights for families to visit wounded American servicemembers who are hospitalized or in rehabilitation. YouthQuest understands that separation can be a serious risk factor for children in military families, especially in times of crisis. By bringing families together, Luke’s Wings helps reduce the risks for kids.

The Step Up contest challenges Loudoun County middle and high school students to become leaders by identifying problems in their communities and developing solutions. YouthQuest is pleased to renew its sponsorship of the competition.

The Trump National staff deserves an award, too, for their quick response to anything we needed. All of our tournament participants were treated to a first-class experience.

“We love having our event at Trump because their staff makes us look really good,” says Lynda. “They just make it happen.”

There’s just one thing that would make our signature fundraising event better, says Lynda. That is if Donald Trump’s busy schedule allows him to accept our invitation to play in the 9th Annual Challenge at Trump National on Aug. 11, 2014.

We hope to see you there, too.

Executive Leaders Radio Features YouthQuest

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YouthQuest Foundation’s Lynda Mann co-hosted with Executive Leaders Radio program host Peter Schwartz
Lynda Mann with program host Peter Schwartz

YouthQuest Co-Founder and President Lynda Mann co-hosted a recent Executive Leaders Radio program, highlighting the Foundation’s new STEM project for at-risk youth.

Lynda and program host Peter Schwartz spoke with four Northern Virginia business leaders, including YouthQuest Co-Founder and Vice President Allen Cage, about their passion for their businesses and why they believe it’s important to give back to their communities.

Click here to listen to a webcast of the Executive Leaders Radio program.

3D Printing ‘Is the Future’

Allen Cage on Executive Leaders Radio
Allen Cage on Executive Leaders Radio

Allen, who is CEO of AOC Solutions, discussed YouthQuest’s focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) training for troubled teens. He also introduced Joshua Wilcox, one of students from the first 3D printing class YouthQuest sponsored at the Freestate ChalleNGe Academy in Maryland.

“I was fascinated with the technology,” said Joshua, who started exploring career opportunities in the 3D printing field after he graduated from Freestate in June. He said the class gave him valuable experience in additive manufacturing — something few job-seekers his age can tell prospective employers.

Joshua added that the Academy, which is run by the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe program, helped him turn his life around after he got into trouble with drugs and gave up on school.

“I feel pretty good. I’m actually going somewhere in my life,” he said.

Allen said YouthQuest is so encouraged by the results of the STEM project at Freestate Academy that it’s planning to expand the program to other states and “grow with the technology” by acquiring more sophisticated equipment and opening a lab.

“This is the future” in design and manufacturing, Charlie White said during his radio interview.

Charlie, who owns private commercial lender BLA Financial, praised YouthQuest’s emphasis on technology

“When you’re looking at people who need to have their lives turned around, high-tech is the way to go,” he said. YouthQuest, he added, is “right there in the forefront and they’re involving these kids in it.”

“Education is the key to success in life as far as I’m concerned,” said Paul Gurman. That’s why he has supported YouthQuest for years by making donations and participating in the annual fundraising golf tournament.

Click here for details about The Challenge at Trump National Golf Club

Paul Gurman at YouthQuest's 2012 fundraising golf tournament
Paul Gurman at YouthQuest’s 2012 golf tournament

Paul is a partner in the accounting firm Gurman and Co., which provides tax and audit services for the Foundation. Besides the professional connection, he has a personal interest in YouthQuest’s mission to help at-risk children.

“Everybody needs some help,” he explained. Although Paul grew up in “a solid home with a close family,” he said he’s seen plenty “kids without help.”

“That’s a shame.  If I can help in any way to strengthen their opportunities, I want to.”

Making a Difference

Paul pointed to the students from the 3D printing class as examples of young people who are seizing opportunities.

“They really are committed to improving themselves,” he said. “We just need to be able to make that path a little easier and that’s what YouthQuest is doing.”

Michael Garcia at YouthQuest's 2012 fundraising golf tournament
Michael Garcia at YouthQuest’s 2012 golf tournament

Restaurant owner Michael Garcia said he was drawn to YouthQuest by Lynda and Allen’s “passion to make a difference” in the lives of at-risk kids. He plays every year in the golf tournament and has hosted YouthQuest events at his restaurant, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar in McLean, Va.

It was “eye-opening” to spend time with the STEM project students during an awards luncheon at Fleming’s in June, said Michael.

“I can see in them the appreciation and that somewhere in their mind they know this is their last stand.”

Michael is convinced that YouthQuest and the Freestate program are changing lives. He recalled his conversation with one of the students.

“You could see him planning his future out and a short time ago that wasn’t possible. His future was going to be…  dead, sooner than later. He was going down the wrong path. But now you watch the sparkle in this guy’s eyes,” he said.

“Man, these people are making a difference!”

Giving Back Is Good Business

Supporting organizations that make a difference doesn’t just make business leaders feel good. It’s good for business.

“Problems need to have solutions,” said Michael. “So if people associate Fleming’s with helping, they’re going to want to come in and be guests.”

Paul agreed that giving back to the community helps get his business noticed by potential clients. His personal philanthropy also sets an example for his staff.  However, the benefits go beyond that.

Being at the point in his professional life where he can use his success to help others gives him “a good feeling,” Paul said.

“It may not be all the monetary success in the world, but when I lay my head on my pillow at night, I can sleep and I know that I’ve done a good job.”

Click here to listen to a webcast of the Executive Leaders Radio program.