Harbor Springs, Mich., February 13, 2006 – The First Tee of Boyne Highlands has named Shauna K. Bezilla as executive director. Bezilla will work with The First Tee board of directors to oversee local operations of the nationally-based non-profit in its inaugural year of offering golf and life skills programs to children ages 7 – 17.
"Our mission is to impact youth in Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet counties by providing a learning facility and educational programs that promote character development and life enhancing skills through the game of golf," Bezilla said. "It is very exciting for Northern Michigan to bring an opportunity like this to our youth."
Bezilla most recently served as advertising manager for The Harbor Light newspaper in Harbor Springs. She brings recreational programming and marketing experience from both a four-star resort and large Chicago suburb, along with a degree in Program Management from the University of Illinois.
The First Tee of Boyne Highlands board president, Currie Weed, said of Bezilla’s addition, "The First Tee of Boyne Highlands is lucky to have someone join us with her experience in marketing, programming and knowledge of the golf business. We have a great team of dedicated people devoted to making The First Tee of Boyne Highlands a leader among The First Tee chapters."
"The youth of today represent our community tomorrow," said Bezilla. "By introducing our youth to the game of golf and its positive values, we can increase their potential for lifetime achievement through concepts such as respect, honesty and sportsmanship."
The First Tee (www.thefirsttee.org ) is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Augustine, FL at World Golf Village, home of the World Golf Hall of Fame. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has opened over 243 golf-learning facilities in 43 states and five international locations, and has introduced the game of golf and its values to over 625,000 participants.
As part of a cooperative agreement with Boyne USA Resorts, The First Tee of Boyne Highlands will offer its first program in May at Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs. Taking place on the resorts’ cuff links course, programs will be open to all individuals 7 to 17 years of age. For more information, visit www.thefirstteeboynehighlands.org
Contact:
Boyne USA Resorts:
Julie Ard
(231) 549-7239
jard@boyne.com
Resort and Golf Marketing:
Kevin Frisch
(989) 614-0241
kevin@resortandgolf.com
Dave Richards
(248) 642-6420
dave@resortandgolf.com
