First Tee – Greater San Antonio Raises Approximately $300,000 Through ParTEE in the Garden and Texas Mutual Golf Invitational

First Tee – Greater San Antonio welcomed more than 300 guests to its annual ParTEE in the Garden on Thursday, October 8, at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. The evening brought together community leaders, supporters and partners to celebrate youth development and the impact of golf while raising critical funds to support local youth.

Combined with the Texas Mutual Golf Invitational, the two events raised approximately $300,000 to support First Tee – Greater San Antonio’s mission of empowering young people through golf and character development. These funds will help provide opportunities for local youth to build confidence, develop life skills and discover their potential both on and off the course.

ParTEE in the Garden featured an evening of exceptional food and beverages, silent and live auctions, a raffle, dessert, music and dancing. As guests arrived at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, they were greeted by welcome cocktails from Dripping Springs Vodka and a festive balloon display from Kickin Boots. Cadillac Escalades provided by Cavender Auto Group, the event’s luxury car sponsor, also welcomed guests to the evening.

William Chris Vineyards enhanced the experience with wine tasting stations featuring four different wines, giving attendees the opportunity to sample and enjoy a selection of Texas wines throughout the event.

First Tee participants Amber Veliz and Josiah Reyna hosted the evening’s program, sharing the stage to celebrate the organization’s mission and the impact it has on young people and families throughout the Greater San Antonio community.

One of the evening’s most meaningful moments came when Texas Mutual surprised First Tee participant Josiah Reyna with a scholarship. Presented by John Grube, Texas Mutual’s Vice President of Regional Operations, the scholarship recognized Josiah’s dedication and celebrated the impact of community partners who invest in the futures of young people. Through its Generational Workforce Community Giving Pillar, Texas Mutual demonstrates its commitment to strengthening communities and creating opportunities for the next generation.

A highlight of the program was a feature on the Van Gundy family, who have been part of the First Tee – Greater San Antonio family since 2020. With eight children, including six boys adopted through foster care, the family shared how First Tee has impacted their lives and become a meaningful part of their journey. Their story illustrated how First Tee creates opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop character and form lasting connections both on and off the golf course.

Watch the Van Gundy Video

Presented by Security Service Federal Credit Union, the silent and live auctions featured an impressive collection of prizes and exclusive experiences. Guests had the opportunity to bid on unique packages while supporting First Tee – Greater San Antonio’s youth development efforts. A raffle added to the excitement, while dessert, music and dancing kept the celebration going throughout the evening.

Watch the Recap of the Entire Evening

The Texas Mutual Golf Invitational took place on October 12 at Oak Hills Country Club, bringing supporters together for another day of golf, community and fundraising. The tournament featured interactive experiences, including a fun putting game on the green with liquor prizes up for grabs. First Tee participants also joined the action at select holes, hitting celebrity shots for golfers and giving guests a firsthand connection to the young people their support helps empower.

First Tee – Greater San Antonio extends its sincere appreciation to Security Service Federal Credit Union and Cavender Auto Group for their support of the golf invitational, as well as Dripping Springs Vodka for its support and Taco Palenque for generously donating dinner for the event.

First Tee – Greater San Antonio extends its sincere appreciation to all event sponsors, donors, partners and attendees who contributed to the success of both fundraising events. From the generous auction and raffle donations to the beverage partners, event sponsors and interactive golf experiences, every contribution helped bring the events to life and advance the organization’s mission. We are proud to recognize the following donors for their contributions to these special events: