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For the second year, the EWGA Foundation has designated two PGA of America-inspired golf programs for its own ‘Drive for Dreams’ campaign … an opportunity for EWGA members to share their good fortune with those in need.

Salute Military Golf Association (SMGA) and Golf for Injured Veterans Everywhere (GIVE) are giving the gift of golf, its rehabilitative aspects, and the wonderful and needed sense of fun and normalcy to men and women who have returned from war to fight a new battle … a battle to resume their lives from an altered state … and a battle that we the citizens for whom they stood in harm’s way owe our greatest effort to support.

• The SMGA was founded in 2004 by PGA Teaching Professional Jim Estes at Olney Golf Park in Olney, MD. Begun as a therapeutic outlet for soldiers undergoing prolonged medical treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital, SMGA’s mission is to provide rehabilitative golf experiences for combat-wounded war veterans in an effort to improve the quality of life for these American heroes.  Through donations, the SMGA provides golf lessons, equipment, and playing opportunities for combat-wounded soldiers injured in Iraq or Afghanistan.  To date, the SMGA has equipped more than 250 soldiers with properly fitted clubs, offered free lessons and range balls to more than 600 combat-wounded soldiers, and enabled the rehabilitative benefits of golf to improve the mental and physical condition of every soldier who has participated.

• The GIVE Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2007 to provide a structured golf program for injured Iowa Veterans who use the Iowa City VA Hospital. The golf program is for injured veterans and their mental, social, physical, and emotional well-being.  This opportunity to learn and play golf for recreational activity is due to the partnership of three area entities: The VA Medical Center of Iowa City, the Iowa PGA Section and Riverside Casino and Golf Resort who raise money to fund the Golf for Veterans program for injured and Iowa Veterans with disabilities. Injured veterans from World War II through today receive four phases of training: introduction to golf, indoor instruction, outdoor practice and golf rounds.  Veterans and their families also receive free access to a course and practice range, along with free equipment.  To date, more than 300 veterans have completed the program, along with participating spouses and family members.

When it comes to military personnel, as the saying goes, all gave some and some gave all.  Injured warriors return home to new challenges that they and their families must face. Just think of what time on a golf course means to one who has faced so much.  That is why the EWGA Foundation asks ALL EWGA members to give some in return to these brave men and women.

Here’s how you can contribute, show a veteran and their family you care, and make a difference in a life that was willing to give all for you.

1.  During the month of July, RBC Bank, the U.S. retail banking wholly-owned subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada, has joined forces with the EWGA to serve as collection spots for donations to the EWGA Foundation’s ‘Drive for Dreams’ campaign.  RBC Bank locations in Fort Lauderdale, Manatee County, Naples, Orlando, Palm Beach County and Tampa are participating to collect “gently used” golf clubs to benefit SMGA and GIVE.  For a list of the participating bank locations in Florida, see: http://tinyurl.com/6ev4nvk.  The club donations are monetized, turning unwanted golf clubs into cash donations to the EWGA Foundation based on their fair market trade-in values.
2. Donate cash to the EWGA Foundation designating ‘Drive for Dreams’ as the recipient of your donation.  Access the donation form http://www.ewga.com/sites/images/1026/donorform.pdf or go to www.ewga.com, click on the Foundation tab and then “how you can help”.
3. EWGA has also arranged for PGA staff at host facilities of the EWGA Championship semi-finals and Finals to have collection receptacles on hand so that event participants, spectators, and guests may participate.

Fundraising for the 2011 ‘Drive for Dreams” to benefit these two outstanding golf programs to benefit the lives of U.S. veterans runs through the end of 2011.  If you have any questions about how to contribute, email Foundation@myewga.com.

The EWGA Foundation thanks you for your care and participation.  But more importantly, some young man or woman who is working to rebuild their lives will thank you!

The honor, integrity, and values built by the game of golf closely mirror those embodied in our nation’s military credos. Here’s your chance for YOU to serve as a positive, supporting force in the life of a soldier.

Learn more about SGMA at www.smga.org

Learn more about GIVE at www.giveforveterans.com