Mentor Challenge at Tidewater Supports Youth Golf Programs
Saturday brought plenty of sunshine and beautiful golfing weather to Tidewater Golf Club for a day of tournament competition to raise all-important funds for area youth golf programs, as Gene’s Dream Foundation and the Mentor Challenge conducted a sold-out event.
Though the winning team will earn a coveted spot in the National Finals at Pinehurst Resort that will be contested on March 24-28, 2021, the goal of this event was to have fun while raising critical funds in the process.
Whether through guidance, education, confidence-building or access, Gene’s Dream Foundation works to ensure that children get the chance to benefit from the riches of positive leadership. Through the portals of competition and camaraderie, its mission is to inspire area youth to set ambitious goals and achieve them with the help of mentors.
The foundation’s namesake, Gene Weldon, did just that for so many youngsters in the Grand Strand area, including golf broadcasters Kelly Tilghman and Charlie Rymer.
“2020 will forever be remembered for its hardships and challenges. COVID-19 has changed the way we live, and things may not return to normal for a while,” said Tilghman. “When my young daughter asks me how we’re going to get through this, I tell her we will ‘hope, dream and believe’… and we will play golf.
“Thankfully, our beloved game has been a welcome escape from these hard times. It is widely considered to be one of the safest ways to get much needed fresh air and exercise. It also happens to be one of the most effective ways for us to make a philanthropic difference, which is so important during these trying times.”
The First Tee of Coastal Carolinas and Project Golf have been among Gene’s Dream Foundation’s primary beneficiaries.
