Why The Snowbirds’ $47,500 gift is inspiring young golfers like Staci Pla?

The Snowbirds returned to the PGA National Resort for their fifth annual Golf Tournament Weekend, bringing together more than two hundred golfers and supporters with one shared mission. The event, held from January 29 through January 31, continued its yearly tradition of raising funds to expand access to the sport for underserved youth. This year, the organization donated a total of $47,500 to programs dedicated to developing young golfers and supporting their personal growth.

The weekend opened with warm greetings from leaders representing the event’s longtime partners. Tracey Slavonia, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Salamander Collection, welcomed attendees on behalf of owner Sheila Johnson. Frank Hayden, Director of Procurement for the City of West Palm Beach, greeted guests on behalf of Mayor Keith A. James. Their participation helped set a tone of community connection and support that carried through the rest of the event.

The Snowbirds were also recognized for their ongoing work. Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington and Wayne County Commissioner Monique Baker-McCormick presented a proclamation and resolution acknowledging the group’s service and commitment to youth development. The honors celebrated the organization’s impact on young golfers throughout the country, extending far beyond the tournament weekend.

A donation that expands opportunities for young athletes

This year’s contributions supported several organizations that provide both financial assistance and direct golf instruction to underserved youth. Each group receiving funding was recognized by The Snowbirds for its long-term dedication to empowering young athletes.

The first recipient, the Michigan Women’s Golf Association (MWGA) LPGA Girls Golf Program, received a donation of $10,000. The program has spent more than eighteen years introducing girls ages seven through seventeen from underserved communities to the game. Each season, the program offers nine weeks of instruction from LPGA and PGA teaching professionals and equips sixty-three junior golfers with clubs and other resources they need to learn the sport.

The second donation supported the golf community at Cass Technical High School, which received $9,500 to further develop its program. The school has continued to build competitive and educational opportunities for its young athletes, and the added funding will support equipment, training and travel needs.

Another award went to College Career & Beyond | Midnight Golf Program, which received $8,083. The program is widely known for blending golf instruction with life-skills training, mentorship and academic support. Its long-standing commitment to shaping well-rounded young adults has made it a vital partner for The Snowbirds.

The group also contributed $8,583 to First Tee Greater Detroit, an organization that uses golf to teach leadership, confidence and character. The program has consistently helped participants build skills that extend far beyond the fairway.

An aspiring professional golfer, Staci Pla, received $2,500 to support the next steps in her athletic journey. Her award represents The Snowbirds’ commitment to supporting both youth programs and emerging talent pursuing higher levels of competitive play.

Finally, the organization plans to provide an $8,834 donation to the National NAACP Golf Program in February. Once distributed, this will bring The Snowbirds’ total contributions over the past five years to approximately $272,500, marking a significant milestone for the group’s continued philanthropic impact.

A mission strengthened year after year

The Snowbirds’ annual tournament weekend has grown into a major philanthropic tradition centered on expanding youth access to golf. The donations made this year reinforce a mission that continues to evolve while staying grounded in education, opportunity and community partnership. As the organization enters its next chapter, its commitment to opening doors for young golfers remains at the heart of its work.

Source: The Allen Lewis Agency + Andrea Stinson Oliver