NEW YORK, N.Y. (February 1, 2013) - On Thursday, January 31st, The First Tee Young Benefactors hosted its 3rd Annual “Thank You” Kick Off event at Drive 495, a private golf and fitness center in Soho. The event celebrated the group’s success in 2012 and served as a kick off to the 2013 season. Event attendees participated in Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin competitions, and took some time to practice their swings on Drive 495’s state-of-the-art simulators.

“This event is the perfect opportunity for the Young Benefactors Executive Committee to say thank you to the YB members and people who have really contributed during the past year,” said Michael Rudin, Chairman of the Young Benefactors.

In 2012, the Young Benefactors raised $60,000 for The First Tee Path to College program, directly funding a SAT tutoring program, college workshops, campus visits and individual scholarships to two of TFTMNY’s top participants.

RELATED: View a Photo Gallery of the Event

“We experienced great success in 2012, and are looking forward to an even better 2013 filled with events and volunteer opportunities to support The First Tee," said Ned May, Young Benefactors Co-Founder. “It is exciting to see the tangible impact YB efforts are having on the Path to College and its young participants progressing through the program.”

The First Tee would like to thank Joe Saladino, owner of Drive 495, for his continued generosity, and Jaclyn Palau and the entire Drive 495 staff for all their help. Special thanks to Golf Professional Mark Braziller for his helpful golf tips and for his management of the hotly contested competitions.

This was the first of five Young Benefactors events to take place during 2013. Other events include a Masters Week Benefit Event on April 11th, a Member-Guest at the TFTMNY headquarters at Mosholu Golf Course, a member Happy Hour in New York City and an event at The Barclays Championship at Liberty National, along with discounted tickets to numerous golf outings throughout the season.

Membership for the Young Benefactors is $150 annually and includes a $50 Ball Card to the Golf Club at Chelsea Piers, a complimentary foursome at Mosholu Golf Course, official USGA handicap, subscription to The Met Golfer Magazine, and special invitations and discounts to Young Benefactors events and The First Tee outings. To learn more about the Young Benefactors and to join, please visit www.thefirstteemetny.org/yb.