National Youth Program Gets Local Sponsor
Quincy-based Red Cactus "America's Sweet" Salsa recently partnered with The First Tee Home Office, agreeing to donate a percentage of its retail sales to support the national organization's mission to help impact the lives of young people.
In addition, The First Tee logo will be featured on specially marked packages of Red Cactus products. Red Cactus joins notable brands Nature Valley and Wheaties that have partnered with The First Tee in the past. According to Red Cactus president, Steven Lehenbauer, the company is supporting The First Tee because its nine core values, including responsibility, honesty, integrity and confidence, match up with Red Cactus beliefs.
 "We are truly excited about the opportunity to support The First Tee and its initiatives, said Lehenbauer. "Red Cactus is a faith-based company and we are proud to partner with an organization that teaches young people positive values and life-long skills." Aaron St. Clair, a partner at Red Cactus Salsa, believes so much in The First Tee values he serves as the President of The First Tee of Great River board.
What is The First Tee of Great River?
Included in The First Tee's national chapter network is The First Tee of Great River which serves west central Illinois and portions of northeast Missouri. The program is organized by executive director Katelin Dorsey who helps manage the group's two locations. The downtown indoor facility includes six hitting areas and other golf equipment, and after a several year lease, The First Tee now operates the Knight's of Columbus driving range and par three course.
In 2009 alone, 450 children ages 5-17 participated locally in The First Tee's Certifying classes and another 3,000 participated through in-school programs. In 2008, The First Tee of Great River boasted a First Tee National Scholar who received a full four year scholarship to a participating University of her choice. In addition to being home to a local The First Tee chapter, Quincy is also home to a participating The First Tee University, Quincy University. Without the generous support of both corporate and individual sponsors such as Red Cactus Salsa, The First Tee would not be able to reach kids of all backgrounds and positively impact their lives through character education and the game of golf.
An entrepreneurial success story...
Red Cactus was established in 1995 by Steven Lehenbauer under the name Red Cactus "Country Sweet" Salsa. Lehenbauer had only faith, a hopeful heart and a uniquely sweet salsa. Now the line is part of Quincy-based company, Midwest Grocers Supply family of products and has sold millions of jars of salsa all over the country as well as internationally. It is becoming known as "America's Sweet" salsa and has expanded to include other great products such as white cheese, cheddar cheese, picante sauce, tortilla chips and taco sauce.
What role does GREDF play?
In 1998, GREDF started The First Tee of Great River with the support of the community and three local companies: Refreshment Services Pepsi, Mercantile Bank and Quincy Newspapers, Inc. Former Quincian Ryan Graff was also instrumental in the early stages of development for The First Tee of Great River and now is employed by The National First Tee in St. Augustine, Florida. Since 1998, GREDF has served on the Board of Directors and has continually donated funds and personnel hours to grow The First Tee and improve the quality of life for youth and their families in Adams County and beyond. |
