The membership of the Central New York PGA gave back to its community while also putting smiles on young faces with a toy drive during the holiday season to benefit the Mary Nelson Foundation.
More than 100 toys were donated by CNY PGA members at the annual Fall Meeting on Oct. 21 and during the month of November. The toys from the CNY PGA were presented at the Mary Nelson Holiday Giveaway on Dec. 21 for underprivileged families in the local community. The giveaway was held at Nottingham High School this year.
Joey Tesori, PGA and the Executive Director of PGA REACH CNY implemented the idea for a toy drive in partnership with the Mary Nelson Youth Center. Tesori, CNY PGA WORKS Fellow Casey Ware and CNY PGA Director of Foundation Programs and Marketing Brittany Wowelko, PGA brought the toys to Nottingham HS and stayed during the giveaway.
“Seeing these kids smile from ear to ear at Nottingham HS during the toy drive hit home to our staff here and we cannot wait to keep collaborating with the powerful Mary Nelson Foundation and continue to keep making an impact in our community through this game of golf,” Tesori said.
The annual Holiday Giveaway has been held every year since 2009. This is the first year PGA REACH CNY has participated.
The event benefited more than 3,200 people who struggle to afford presents at Christmas time for their children. A long line stretched outside the entrance of Nottingham HS before the giveaway began. Each child who registered for the giveaway received two toys. In addition to toys, family members were also eligible to receive clothing and shoes.
The CNY PGA membership donated a variety of toys to assist with the giveaway.
“We are so fortunate for our PGA Members who supported this toy drive at the Fall Meeting and we cannot thank them enough,” Tesori said. “These toys were delivered to these children of underprivileged families just before Christmas and as such, it means so much to us here at PGA REACH CNY to spread holiday magic with these kids and families.”
In addition to the toy drive, PGA REACH CNY, in conjunction with Bellevue Country Club, donated approximately 4,000 pounds of gently used clothing to the Mary Nelson Foundation for families in need. More than 50 Bellevue CC members donated to the drive that ran from Oct. 31- Dec. 7 and was organized by Bellevue Head PGA of America Professional Dan Steinsdoerfer.