On May 24, Northwestern Mutual selected managing partner and Pittsburgh resident Kevin Miller as one of the company's Community Service Award winners of 2023.
Held at Bob O'Connor Golf Course located at Schenley Park, Miller received a $15,000 grant to First Tee Pittsburgh (FTP), which has been committed to helping children and teens gain new learning experiences through the game of golf.
First Tee has been an international non-profit organization since 1997, with Pittsburgh housing one of 150 chapters since 2001.
"First Tee is dedicated to integrating the game of golf with character building by creating learning experiences that help kids and teens become the best version of themselves," Northwestern Mutual's official press release stated.
Miller's dedication to First Tee Pittsburgh and his impact on the community earned him this grant.
Miller was inspired to get involved with First Tee after feeling compelled to teach life skills such as honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, perseverance, and courtesy to children and young adults through the game of golf. He has hosted over 25 fundraising events in and out of the Pittsburgh region within the last 15 years. Additionally, he attended and chaired the First Tee Pittsburgh Capital Campaigns and has introduced serval high-profile donors, who are responsible for over $500,000 in donations.
"My passion for FTP stems from my personal belief that we have an obligation to help others move from where they are to where they could be," Miller said in a press release. "Teaching life skills to others is a way to accomplish this and teaching them through the game of golf is a great way to expose many to grow out of their comfort zone and achieve new heights."
Eric Amato, President of First Tee Pittsburgh, spoke of how the grant will go towards aiding families impacted by financial instability, along with expanding the organization.
"The support from Kevin and Northwestern Mutual is key in making sure two things happen," Amato said. "One, the mandate that no child is turned away from the inability to pay: we provide scholarships to any group or individuals looking to participate. Two, the expansion of staff and programs offered by our organization."
First Tee Pittsburgh provides all equipment and mentorship for participants, breaking down accessibility barriers for anyone looking to enjoy the game.
"The game allows us the opportunity for teaching goal setting, overcoming obstacles, developing a self-identity, and more, on and off the golf course," Amato said.
The Community Service Award program, conducted through the company's Northwestern Mutual Foundation, has recognized individuals who've shown outstanding leadership and volunteerism within their community for the last 28 years, distributing $270,000 to nonprofits nationwide, with Miller being one of 10 recipients this year.
The Northwestern Mutual Foundation has aided in improving the lives of children and families in need and has been designed to create a lasting impact in communities where employees and financial representatives live and work.
The foundation accomplishes these goals by combining financial support, volunteerism, thought leadership, and convening community partners to deliver the best outcomes. Its efforts are focused nationally on curing childhood cancer, and locally on education, neighborhoods, and making the company's hometown of Milwaukee a great destination.
First Tee Pittsburgh is open to any adolescent looking to participate as well as any adult volunteers to aid in its cause. Anyone interested can go to its website.
Photo courtesy of Julie Dohearty and Sarah Peltz.
This content has been submitted by authors outside of this publisher and is not its editorial product. It could contain opinions, facts, and points of view that have not been reviewed or accepted by the publisher.