News Summary
The GIVE Foundation has spent nearly two decades providing transformative golf experiences for injured and disabled veterans. Founded in 2007, this program offers comprehensive training, free equipment, and access to local golf courses. With a mission to foster healing and community among veterans, GIVE enables participants to connect with fellow service members while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of golf. As they approach their 20th anniversary, hopes soar for expanding outreach and increasing support among military communities.
Golf for Injured Veterans Everywhere (GIVE Foundation) Celebrates Nearly 20 Years of Transformative Support Through Golf
For nearly two decades, the GIVE Foundation has been a beacon of hope for injured and disabled veterans eager to learn the game of golf. Founded in 2007 by a dedicated World War II veteran, Lou King, this remarkable initiative has successfully bridged the gap between military service and community engagement through the sport of golf.
A Program That Makes Golf Accessible
The GIVE Foundation offers a comprehensive five-week training course, staffed by professional instructors from the PGA, tailored specifically for veterans and their partners. It’s all about making golf accessible to those who served and helping them connect with others. As part of the program, participants don’t just learn the ins and outs of the sport; they also receive free golf equipment, ensuring they have everything they need to hit the links. Additionally, thanks to partnerships with local golf courses, such as Blue Top Ridge, veterans can enjoy these beautiful greens at little to no cost.
A Foundation Built on Support
With a mission to provide healing and support for military veterans, GIVE stands out as an organization that prioritizes the well-being of its participants. By providing opportunities for relaxation and stress relief through golf, veterans can find a sense of community and camaraderie that often extends beyond the fairways.
The Heartwarming Journey of Veterans
Veteran Kevin Willis, who enrolled in the GIVE program in the summer of 2021, has been quite the success story. After serving as a staff sergeant in the Army, stationed in Saudi Arabia and Germany, Willis faced injuries that ended his military service, but his journey didn’t stop there. Since graduating from the program, he has become a volunteer at various GIVE events, where he takes immense joy in distributing golf equipment to fellow veterans. For Willis, it’s more than just a job; it’s about reinforcing the sense of brotherhood that comes from shared experiences in the military.
Connecting Through the Game
The GIVE program has a unique approach when it comes to inclusivity. Many participants bring along family members to training sessions, reinforcing support structures among veterans and their loved ones. This sense of community cultivates an atmosphere where everyone can feel comfortable, share their experiences, and even allow for a bit of laughter. Moreover, program participants benefit from free access to golf courses like Blue Top Ridge and Lacoma Golf Club in East Dubuque, making it easier for them to engage with the sport regularly.
Professional Instruction with a Personal Touch
Leading the golf instruction is veterans’ advocate Mike Armes, himself an Army veteran who is immensely passionate about teaching golf to those with various disabilities. Armes has worked closely with veterans facing challenges like quadriplegia, blindness, and paralysis. His philosophy is simple: the goal is not only to teach the game but also to bring joy and therapeutic benefits to veterans as they engage in this rewarding activity. He emphasizes that many activities at GIVE become “therapy sessions with a little bit of golf thrown in,” creating a space for veterans to unwind while enjoying the sport.
Building a Community of Unity
The GIVE Foundation also organizes seasonal tournaments at Blue Top Ridge, where veterans can showcase their skills and donors can see the positive impacts of their contributions. Impressively, the foundation’s success has even inspired the PGA’s Helping Our Patriots Everywhere (HOPE) initiative, making strides to expand golf opportunities nationwide for veterans.
A Bright Future Ahead
Geared toward veterans from the Iowa City, Des Moines, and Sioux City regions, the GIVE Foundation continues to foster unity among service members. The spirit of solidarity is strong, encouraging veterans to connect, relax, and enjoy a rewarding day on the golf course like no other. As the foundation approaches its 20th anniversary, hopes are high for even more impactful outreach, demonstrating that a simple game of golf can truly help heal the hearts of those who have served.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
A Decade of PXG: Revolutionizing the Golf Scene
Philadelphia Gears Up for Major Events and Holiday Celebrations with Hotel Packages
Philadelphia Expands Golf Initiatives for Youth Ahead of PGA Championship
Hit the Fairways: Amazing Deals on Golf Gear at Amazon’s October Prime Day
Braden Shattuck Wins Delaware Valley Open in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley Hosts Dinner to Unite Team USA for Ryder Cup
Labor Shortages and Rising Costs Pressuring Small Construction Firms
John Gosselin Honored with Prestigious Golf Award
Cinnaminson Hosts Annual PGA HOPE Cup for Veterans
Warminster’s Five Ponds Golf Club Triumphs in PGA HOPE Cup
Additional Resources
- KCRG: Foundation Offers Free Golf Training Equipment for Veterans
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Riverside Online: Celebrating Remarkable Leadership
- Google Search: Golf programs for veterans
- Riverside Landmark: Joyful Giving Catalog 2024
- Google Scholar: Therapy through golf for veterans
- Riverside Online: Riverside Health Foundation Announces Charitable Gift from TowneBank
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Veterans
- Riverside Online: Riverside Foundation Announces Provider and Citizens of the Year
- Google News: Golf and Veterans
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
