ELMSFORD, N.Y. (May 14, 2015) - The MGA Foundation held the 21st annual Day of Golf at Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point on Tuesday, May 12. This fundraiser supports the Foundation's cornerstone student intern program, GOLFWORKS, and after a round of golf at the newly-opened course overlooking the Whitestone Bridge, more than 160 Foundation supporters were able to hear first-hand about the GOLFWORKS program from one of its participants.

Seventeen-year-old Jaelin Johnson was given an opportunity not many high school students have when he was able to personally thank a room full of Foundation supporters, including Mr. Donald Trump. Jaelin, a junior at St. Raymond's High School, spoke passionately about spending the summers working at Scarsdale Golf Club.

“As a second year intern, GOLFWORKS and my experience at Scarsdale have given me the opportunity to meet some of the finest people – including professionals, inspiring golf members, and people who genuinely care. GOLFWORKS has allowed me to surround myself with people that know what it takes to be successful and who have helped motivate and mold me into a well-rounded young man,” he said.

Donald Trump was also on-hand for the evening reception, and shared his praises on the MGA Foundation and the positive impacts that its initiatives have on thousands of people year after year.

Each year, 250 students just like Jaelin are employed at more than 80 MGA member clubs, a group that now includes the new Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point, where nine GOLFWORKS interns are employed. In 2014, GOLFWORKS celebrated its 20th anniversary, and it is thanks to the generous support of MGA Member Clubs, Foundation donators, and the official supporter of the MGA Foundation, MetLife, the program has grown exponentially over the years .

When asked about his thoughts on the day, MGA President and Chairman of the MGA Foundation Steve Boyd said, "We are so lucky to get spectacular venues to host our special day and Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point was no exception.  Our loyal supporters are some of the same individuals that helped us get this program started 21 years ago. A very special day for an extraordinary cause.”

The Mission of the MGA Foundation is to ensure the future of golf by bringing the values and traditions of the game to the next generation of golfers through innovative programs aimed at underprivileged youth, junior golfers and the physically disabled. 

Since its founding in 1991 MGA Foundation programs have impacted thousands of young people through Caddie Academies, GOLFWORKS, The First Tee of Metropolitan New York and Junior Competitions. Educational Programing and a library and archives center at Golf Central help fulfill our mission to help preserve the game's past and protect its future.

For more information on Day of Golf, the MGA Foundation or GOLFWORKS, please contact John Dolan at jdolan@mgagolf.org.