MALVERN, PA – The New England PGA Foundation is proud to announce that Team PGA HOPE New England was officially recognized with the Journey Award, presented by Hidden Links, during the 2026 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup held at Chester Valley Golf Club. This milestone marks the second time the Foundation has been invited to play in the Secretary’s Cup and the second time being honored with the Journey Award.
The Journey Award is a signature accolade that salutes individuals at the PGA Section level who demonstrate unwavering support for PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) and its transformative impact on the lives of Veterans and Active Duty Service Members. For Team New England, the award was not a target to be met, but a natural byproduct of the team’s genuine passion, joy, and collective spirit throughout the tournament weekend.
Led by PGA of America Golf Professional Joel Jenkings, the New England squad featured four remarkable PGA HOPE graduates:
- Kenny Celeste (U.S. Navy)
- Blake Crist (U.S. Marine Corps)
- Sherry Dellascio (U.S. Navy)
- Colleen Nevius (U.S. Navy)
“PGA HOPE’s main focus is connection and camaraderie through golf, and this team was the epitome of that mission,” said the New England PGA Foundation. “We arrived as individuals of different ages and backgrounds—many of whom had never met before—but we left as a family. We embraced the ‘journey’ in its truest sense, filling the weekend with laughter and support for one another.” – Joel Jenkins, PGA
In addition to the Journey Award recognition, Golfpac Travel generously donated an Orlando golf vacation to the New England Section Team, ensuring that the relationships built during the tournament will continue to grow.
The New England PGA Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to the PGA of America Staff and PGA HOPE Staff for their tireless dedication to the Veteran community. Special thanks are also due to American Airlines for their vital sponsorship and support of our nation’s heroes, and to Chester Valley Golf Club for providing a world-class venue and hosting this meaningful event with such hospitality.
The camaraderie and relationships built between the members of Team New England were second to none. By embracing the “journey,” the New England PGA Foundation created an experience for four Veterans and one PGA Professional that will be remembered for the rest of their lives.
As the flagship military program of PGA REACH, PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. Team New England’s success at the 2026 Secretary’s Cup stands as a shining example of how the game of golf serves as a powerful vehicle for healing and lifelong friendship.
About the New England PGA Foundation:
The New England PGA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to impacting lives through the game of golf. The Foundation focuses on three core pillars: Youth, Military (PGA HOPE), and Diversity & Inclusion.
