Golfing Their Way to Healing: The GIVE Foundation Celebrates Nearly 20 Years for Veterans

News Summary

The GIVE Foundation has been revitalizing the lives of injured and disabled veterans through golf since 2007. Offering a five-week training program, veterans learn the game while building camaraderie and support. Accessible at pristine golf courses, the foundation provides free equipment and fosters a healing community. With inspiring stories like Kevin Willis, who transitioned from participant to volunteer, the program demonstrates the therapeutic power of golf in aiding veterans’ recovery and reintegration into society.

Golfing Their Way to Healing: The GIVE Foundation Celebrates Almost 20 Years of Support for Veterans

For nearly two decades, the GIVE Foundation has been transforming the lives of injured and disabled veterans through the beautiful game of golf. Founded in 2007 by a proud World War II veteran, the organization has become a beacon of hope and support for those who have bravely served their country.

A Five-Week Transformation

Every summer, the foundation invites veterans and their partners to join a comprehensive five-week training course. Under the guidance of professional golf instructors from the PGA, participants not only learn the ins and outs of the game but also develop new friendships and a renewed sense of purpose. And to make things even sweeter, all equipment is provided free of charge, ensuring everyone can tee off without worrying about the costs.

Access to Pristine Courses

Thanks to generous support from local venues, veterans can enjoy playing at top-notch golf courses like Blue Top Ridge and Lacoma Golf Club at no or reduced costs. These glorious green havens are more than just places to play; they become therapeutic escapes where service members can relax and reconnect with one another.

Executive Leadership and Community Support

The foundation’s journey began with a vision from Lou King, who, alongside the Kehl family—owners of Riverside Casino and Golf Resort—saw the potential of golf as a healing tool. This innovative program has established a network of support within various VA regions, bringing together heroes from different walks of life.

From Player to Volunteer

One fantastic example of the program’s far-reaching impact is veteran Kevin Willis. After completing the GIVE course in the summer of 2021, Willis felt inspired to give back by volunteering in 2023. His journey started with a service in the Army, stationed in places like Saudi Arabia and Germany, and unfortunately, ended earlier than he wished due to injuries. But thanks to the GIVE Foundation, he found a supportive community and a sense of belonging that he now extends to fellow veterans.

A Brotherhood Brought Together by Golf

Willis emphasizes the camaraderie that arises from military service and how it is beautifully mirrored within the GIVE program. He takes pride in distributing golf equipment and fostering connections among veterans. It’s not just about improving their swing; it is about forming bonds that can last a lifetime.

Coaching with a Purpose

Leading the charge as GIVE’s primary instructor is Mike Armes, a fellow Army veteran, whose passion for helping others shines through. His experience goes beyond just teaching golf; he has worked with veterans facing various challenges like quadriplegia, blindness, and paralysis. Armes aims to ensure that every participant finds joy in the game, providing them with a valuable escape from their day-to-day struggles.

Family Involvement and Support

One of the lovely aspects of the GIVE Foundation is the inclusion of family members during training sessions and events. This thoughtful approach fosters additional layers of support, allowing veterans and their loved ones to bond and heal together as they navigate the ups and downs of life after military service.

Tournaments and Community Engagement

Throughout the year, the foundation also hosts exciting seasonal tournaments at Blue Top Ridge, encouraging participation from veterans and donors alike. These events not only raise funds but also bring a sense of friendly competition and achievement, essential components in the healing journey.

Expanding Impact Beyond Borders

The heartwarming success of the GIVE Foundation inspired the PGA’s Helping Our Patriots Everywhere (HOPE) initiative, thereby expanding golf opportunities for veterans across the nation. To date, the program provides support to former service members in various VA regions, bridging the gap between golf and community healing.

A Therapeutic Escape

Armes skillfully highlights the therapeutic aspect of the activities, describing it as “a therapy session with a little bit of golf thrown in.” The foundation creates an atmosphere where veterans feel free to share their experiences, fostering connection and understanding that is vital to the healing process.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Game

The GIVE Foundation is not merely about teaching veterans to play golf; it’s about nurturing a community of warriors that stand by each other, fostering unity, friendship, and camaraderie. Through the therapeutic power of golf, the foundation continues to make a significant impact on the lives of countless veterans, encouraging them to connect, relax, and find joy in the game.

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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