fundraiser – The YouthQuest Foundation

Golf Tournament Raises Funds for YouthQuest Foundation

August 16, 2018 stevep News

Friends of YouthQuest turned out on August 6 for the 13^th annual golf tournament to support our foundation’s work with at-risk youth.

More than 80 players enjoyed a day on Trump National Golf Club’s scenic Championship Course in Potomac Falls, Virginia, recently ranked by Golf Digest as one of the nation’s best new private courses.

In addition to having many new players at this year’s tournament, we welcomed three first-time sponsors: Kipps DeSanto Investment Banking; the Popera, Overholt & Holland Group; and Old Dominion National Bank. We are also grateful to our generous returning sponsors: AOC Solutions; FEDAC Processing; CrossFit PR Star; the Harry & Zoe Poole Foundation; Insperity; Gombos-Leyton and Valley Forge Acquisition Corporation.

Retired Redskins star Larry Brown and the winning team from Kipps DeSanto at the 2018 YouthQuest Golf Tournament — *Retired Redskins star Larry Brown and the winning team from Kipps DeSanto*

The Challenge at Trump National is YouthQuest’s premier annual event to raise funds for programs such as our 3D ThinkLink Initiative, which uses 3D design and printing as a vehicle for teaching at-risk youth valuable job skills and thinking skills. The program has earned us recognition as a semifinalist in this year’s Drucker Prize competition, which rewards innovation by nonprofits, and as a nominee for the 2017 Greater Washington Innovation Awards in the Public Service category.

Since 2012, YouthQuest has also been the prize money sponsor for the Step Up Loudoun Youth Competition. This year, we doubled our support for the contest, in which teens in Loudoun County, Virginia, identify problems in their community and implement projects to solve them.

Step Up Loudoun Youth Competition winners at 2-18 YouthQuest Golf Tournament reception — *Step Up Loudoun Youth Competition winning teams*

At the post-tournament reception and awards ceremony, Loudoun Youth President and CEO Jared Melvin spoke about Step Up. Three first-place teams from recent years also were on hand to explain their projects to tournament guests. This year’s winners, Lina Alkarmi from Dominion High School and Shahlaley Nagra from Heritage High School, showcased their Princess Packages project, which lifts the spirits of young girls who are hospitalized. Students representing 2016 winner PASTA (Peers and Students Taking Action), explained how their group helps teens find opportunities to serve the community. And the young leaders of Charitable Act, the 2015 winner, promoted their nonprofit that provides summer theater camps for underprivileged children.

2018 Volunteer of the Year Tony Sanderson — *Volunteer of the Year Tony Sanderson*

Also at the reception, YouthQuest Co-Founder and President Lynda Mann announced that FEDAC Vice President Tony Sanderson has been chosen as our 2018 Volunteer of the Year. She also congratulated this year’s Strategic Partner Award winner, Maryland-based 3D printer maker M3D, and the Community Partner Award winner, Maryland’s Harford Community College.

Silver Sponsor Kipps DeSanto was this year’s winning team in the scramble-format tournament with a score of 59. Team members Kevin DeSanto, Scott Green, Rich Holland and Jonathan Moneymaker played with Larry Brown, the former Washington Redskins running back.

Golf Entertainer Brad Denton wields a 10-foot-long driver at the 2018 YouthQuest golf tournament — *Golf Entertainer Brad Denton*

Other VIP guest players were Redskins alumni Roy Jefferson, Carl Kammerer and Jerry Olsen, Air Force Col. Doug Hall, Loudoun Fire and Rescue Chief Keith Johnson, Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Chief Miguel Quijano, and Loudoun County Sheriff’s Deputies Joe Heydens and Kenny Tucker.

Edna Davis, YouthQuest’s 2015 Volunteer of the Year, served as the coordinator for our tournament volunteers.

Golf Entertainer Brad Denton was back this year, after missing the last tournament due to injury, to start the event with his always-amazing trick shot demonstration.

Scorpion Strike author John Gilstrap signed books at the 2018 YouthQuest Golf Tournament reception — *Scorpion Strike author John Gilstrap*

New York Times bestselling author John Gilstrap, who volunteers his time and expertise to judge our essay contest in which 3D ThinkLink students compete for scholarships, was at the reception signing copies Scorpion Strike, the latest book in his Jonathan Grave thriller series.

We are also grateful to Jeff Mauritzen from inPhotograph.com for his tournament photography, Mercedes-Benz of Chantilly for providing the hole-in-one car, and Honor Brewing for serving cold beer to the thirsty golfers on a hot August day.

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Swingin’ in the Rain at the YouthQuest Golf Tournament

August 22, 2017 stevep News

Playing in the rain at YouthQuest Foundation charity golf tournament at Trump National 2017

Even though it rained for the first time in the event’s 12-year history, more than 100 players and volunteers turned out for our annual fundraiser on August 7.

YouthQuest Co-Founder Allen Cage putts at the foundation's 2017 charity golf tournament — *YouthQuest Co-Founder Allen Cage putts*

Washington Redskins alumni and first responders from Loudoun County, Virginia, were among the VIP guests who joined two dozen teams on the links at Trump National Golf Club’s Championship Course, which was the site of the Senior PGA Championship earlier this year.

“We were pleased to welcome three new sponsors this year; Insperity, Pure Storage and ePlus,” said YouthQuest Foundation Board Secretary and Tournament Committee Chairman Bill Hall.

Returning sponsors were AOC Solutions, 3Delta Systems, FEDAC Processing, Insurance Associates, the Poole Foundation, PNC, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Jones Lang LaSalle, Ritzert & Leyton PC, CrossFit PR Star, Experis Technology Group, AC Properties and Valley Forge Acquisition Corporation.

The tournament’s Silent Auction raised more money than ever and we collected an additional $2,500 through a new fundraising tool, the Giving Tree. The tree displayed at the post-tournament reception was decorated with tags that were 3D printed in our lab. Each tag gave donors an easy way to provide equipment, supplies and other resources for students in our 3D ThinkLink Initiative for at-risk youth.

Volunteer of the Year Tammy Haug (center) with volunteers Erica Stewart and Carol Schick from AOC at YouthQuest's 2017 charity golf tournament — *Volunteer of the Year Tammy Haug (center) with volunteers Erica Stewart and Carol Schick from AOC Solutions*

During the post-tournament reception, AOC Solutions National Sales Manager Tammy Haug was presented with YouthQuest’s Volunteer of the Year Award. In addition to working the golf tournament every year, she helped with our 10th Anniversary Celebration and the workshops we ran to introduce kids to 3D printing at the National Society of Black Engineers Convention in Anaheim, California, in 2015.

Laura d’All, general manager of Copy General’s East Coast Production Center in Sterling, Virginia, also was on hand to accept YouthQuest’s 2017 Community Partner Award. Copy General prints the golf tournament program each year and has made many generous contributions to advance our programs that serve America’s at-risk youth.

Supporters also gathered at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Tysons Corner on August 3 for our annual VIP Reception, where we showcased our 3D ThinkLink Youth Mentor project. Guests watched a video about top graduates of our 3D design and printing classes at Maryland’s Freestate and DC’s Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academies who completed a week of training in our lab to share their skills and serve as positive role models in their communities.

IMADE3D owners Ladi Goc and his wife, Ivana Gocova, accept our 2017 Strategic Partner Award from YouthQuest Co-Founders Allen Cage and Lynda Mann at the foundation's annual VIP Reception on August 3. — *IMADE3D owners Ladi Goc and his wife, Ivana Gocova, accept our Strategic Partner Award from YouthQuest Co-Founders Allen Cage and Lynda Mann*

Also at the VIP Reception, we announced IMADE3D as the winner of our 2017 Strategic Partner Award. The company makes the JellyBox, a unique, easy-to-assemble 3D printer kit designed especially for education. YouthQuest and IMADE3D have worked together since 2015. Advanced 3D ThinkLink students in our lab were the first group to test-build JellyBoxes with the inventors, Ladi Goc and his son Filip Goc, observing the process. The feedback from the students helped IMADE3D perfect the design and refine the assembly instructions before putting the JellyBox on the market. Now we have several of them in our lab.

Tournament volunteers at YouthQuest's charity golf tournament, August 7, 2017 — Tournament volunteers in the clubhouse

New York Times bestselling author John Gilstrap was at both receptions to sign copies of Final Target, the latest book in his Jonathan Grave thriller series. John supports the 3D ThinkLink Initiative by serving as the judge in our essay contests. Twice a year, we invite ChalleNGe Academy students to write about how being in our 3D class affected them personally. The winners receive $500 scholarships to pursue higher education or vocational training.

Missing from this year’s tournament was Golf Entertainer Brad Denton, who has been part of the event for several years. Brad was injured in a serious car crash the week before the tournament, but he’s on the road to recovery now. To show our appreciation for him, tournament participants made donations to buy a $750 Tech Pack (3D printer, software and laptop), which will be given to a Youth Mentor on Brad’s behalf.

We look forward to having Brad back in action at our next tournament, scheduled for August 6, 2018.

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New Friends, Familiar Faces Make Golf Tournament a Success

August 25, 2016 stevep News

Golfers at YouthQuest;s 11th Annual Challenge at Trump National Golf Club, August 8, 2016

The YouthQuest Foundation’s 11^th annual golf tournament was our most successful fundraising event, thanks to our generous sponsors, players and volunteers.

Volunteers Una Murphy and Steve Levenson welcome guests to YouthQuest's Challenge at Trump National Golf Club — Volunteers Una Murphy and Steve Levenson welcome guests

Two dozen teams – more than 100 players – competed on August 8 at The Challenge at Trump National Golf Club in Potomac Falls, Virginia.

The tournament is a major source of funding for the 3D ThinkLink Initiative and our other programs for America’s at-risk youth. This year, we introduced our supporters to the new Youth Mentor Program, which will give our most motivated and capable 3D ThinkLink students the tools and training they need to share their 3D printing skills – as well as their critical thinking and problem solving skills – with their communities.

Several guests at the tournament and our VIP Reception on August 4 made $500 donations to provide a Youth Mentor with a Tech Pack, which includes a 3D printer, laptop computer, design software and training. CLICK TO CONTRIBUTE

Everyone enjoyed a beautiful summer day on Trump National’s recently renovated Championship Course, which will be the site of the 2017 Senior PGA Championship in May. Three teams tied for first place at 56. Matt Owens from the Jones, Lang, LaSalle team and Milena Savich from CrossFit PR Star won prizes for the longest drives.

Players celebrate a putt at YouthQuest's Challenge at Trump National Golf Club on August 8, 2016 — Celebrating a putt

Teams were matched up with celebrity and VIP players. As always, Jerry Olsen and other Washington Redskins alumni were on hand, along with current and former military and law enforcement officers.

We had more tournament sponsors this year than ever before. Visa USA sponsored the VIP Reception for the first time. Hewlett-Packard and One on One Financial Group came aboard as new Bronze Sponsors. Insurance Associates and the Poole Foundation stepped up to Silver Sponsorships. The PHILLIPS Programs, our 3D ThinkLink partner, was a first-time hole sponsor.

We’re also grateful to all our returning sponsors:

Platinum – AOC Solutions
Gold – 3Delta Systems
Silver – FEDAC Processing
Photo Sponsor – RE/MAX Gateway
Hole-in-One Car Sponsor – PNC Bank (C300 4Matic provided by Mercedes-Benz of Chantilly)
Bronze – AC Properties; CrossFit PR Star; Experis Technology Group; Iron Bow; Jones, Lang, LaSalle; Ritzert & Leyton; Valley Forge Acquisition Corporation; Wells Fargo Private Bank.

Brad Denton swings his 10-foot driver during a trick shot demonstration before the Challenge at Trump National Golf Club August 8, 2016 — Brad Denton swings his 10-foot driver

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Tysons Corner, Virginia, which hosted the VIP Reception, also sponsored Golf Entertainer Brad Denton’s appearance. Brad provided his always-amazing trick shot demonstration before play started, then collected donations by running several promotions as he circulated around on the course.

New York Times bestselling author John Gilstrap, who judges our 3D ThinkLink student essay contests, was back again this year at the VIP Reception and Tournament Reception to meet our guests and sign copies of his latest thriller, Friendly Fire.

Linda Ackerman organizes volunteers ar YouthQuest's golf tournament on August 8, 2016 — Linda Ackerman organizes volunteers

We couldn’t stage a major event like this every year without the help of our volunteers, many of whom are AOC Solutions employees. Our deepest thanks to Volunteer Coordinator Linda Ackerman, Bill Ackerman, Sabah Anwar, Carl Brown, Edna Davis (our 2015 Volunteer of the Year), Kelly Eisenhart, Nikki Gombos, Tammy Haug, Sarah Hightower, Valerie Hightower (our 2016 Volunteer of the Year), Gary Hoffman, Dick Knapp, Steve Levenson, Una Murphy, Denise Roberts, Tiesha Robertson, Tony Sanderson, Carol Schick, Bryan Self and Erica Stewart.

General Manager Michael MacDonald, Director of Events Ellen Fatigati and the entire Trump National staff always provide excellent service for our tournament guests, so we’ve already made our reservation for next year. The 12^th Annual Challenge at Trump National will take place on Monday, August 7, 2017.

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Fun, Fundraising at YouthQuest Golf Tournament

August 19, 2015 stevep News

Golfers at YouthQuest's 10th Annual Challenge at Trump National Golf Club August 10, 2015

“One day of golf will make a difference for America’s at-risk youth all year long.” YouthQuest supporters just proved that’s more than a slogan for us.

Players, sponsors and volunteers turned out in force in August 10 for the 10^th Annual Challenge at Trump National Golf Club.

YouthQuest Co-Founder & President Lynda Mann with Tournament Chairman Bill Hall

“We couldn’t have had a better event to celebrate our 10^th tournament,” said Co-Founder and President Lynda Mann. “The venue, the service, the food, the support of all our participants … We couldn’t have asked for more.”

“During these 10 years, we’ve built a base of sponsors and supporters that understand the importance of our mission to help high school dropouts turn their lives around,” she added.

This year’s tournament will help power the growth of our signature STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education project, the 3D ThinkLink Initiative. Our lessons in 3D design and printing help at-risk kids develop sorely needed critical thinking and problem solving skills. Some of the proceeds from the event will go toward improving our 3D lab. We’re also upgrading our website to make the 3D ThinkLink curriculum available for purchase online.

In addition to the funds raised through tournament sponsorships, our silent auction and raffle were the most successful ever, bringing in more than twice as much as last year.

Twenty-five teams of golfers got the rare opportunity to experience the newly remodeled Championship Course at Trump National Golf Club, Washington, DC, where the Senior PGA Championship will be held in 2017.

The CrossFit PR Star team on the final hole at Trump National — The CrossFit PR Star team on the 18th hole

Many of the faces were familiar, but we were pleased to welcome plenty of new players. This year’s field included more women than ever before. And, as always, we had the help of our generous volunteers, many of them from AOC Solutions.

“People tell us they keep coming back because this is the best charity golf tournament they attend all year,” explained Lynda, citing the high quality of the venue and the services provided.

Tournament Committee Chairman Bill Hall praised Trump National Director of Golf Kevin Morris, event planner Mary Hudgins and event coordinator Vicky Kurasz, along with the caddies and the rest of the staff. Last-minute changes are inevitable for an event as large as this one. The Trump National team took it all in stride and delivered an outstanding experience for everyone.

Former MLB pitcher Pete Schourek is pretty handy with a golf club, too. — Former MLB pitcher Pete Schourek knows his way around the links, too.

The early morning drizzle ended just in time for Golf Entertainer Brad Denton get things started with an amazing trick shot demonstration. The weather remained mild – mercifully unlike a typical mid-August Monday in Washington – allowing the players to enjoy a pleasant day on the course.

Most foursomes were matched with a celebrity player. Our VIP guests included speaker and Emmy-winning broadcaster Jan Fox, Major League Baseball alumni Shawn Camp and Pete Schourek, Washington Redskins alumni coordinator Jerry Olsen and former players Mike Bragg, Brian Carpenter, Ricky Ervins, Pat Fischer, Ken Jenkins, Carl Kammerer, Ron McDole, Kirk Mee and Ted Vactor.

Author John Gilstrap at YouthQuest's 2015 Challenge at Trump National tournament reception — Author John Gilstrap signed his new book at the tournament reception

New York Times bestselling author John Gilstrap was with us again this year, signing copies of his new thriller Against All Enemies during the post-tournament reception. Our summer intern, Bria Toussaint, spoke at the reception about her own nonprofit, GRL-PWR, and Loudoun Youth, two organizations with close ties to YouthQuest.

The 10^th Annual Challenge at Trump National was a success because of the generosity of our sponsors, silent auction donors, players and volunteers. Special thanks go out to tournament photographer Jeff Mauritzen, Copy General for printing the programs and Staybridge Suites in Chantilly for providing Brad Denton’s lodging.

We also are grateful to Michael Garcia and his staff at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in McLean, Va., for hosting our VIP Reception on August 6, at which we recognized Founders Award winner Scott MacDonald, Volunteer of the Year Edna Davis, Community Partner Derrick Campana of Animal Orthocare and 3D ThinkLink Strategic Partner Joe Travez of Prototype Productions, Inc. Learn more about our award winners here.

Make a note now to join us at the 11^th Annual Challenge at Trump National on Monday, August 8, 2016.

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Kickstarter Campaign: Help Us Share the Power of 3D Printing

May 20, 2015 stevep Blog

Support YouthQuest's 3DThinkLink curriculum Kickstarter campaign

We’re running a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter during the month of June that will take the YouthQuest Foundation’s 3D ThinkLink Initiative to the next level. Support this project and spread the word!

CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR KICKSTARTER PAGE AND DONATE

Our goal is to raise $8,000 to publish and package for purchase an easy-to-use introductory 3D design and printing curriculum suitable for students of all ages, particularly at-risk youth.

The campaign launched on the Kickstarter site on Monday, June 1 and will run for 30 days.

UPDATE: June 26 – We have topped our goal with four days left to increase the total. The funds in excess of $8,000 will be used to produce a bonus video for the curriculum package that will explain the various types of 3D printers and help users decide which one is best for them.

We will produce a curriculum based on the lessons we’ve developed during more than two years of teaching students in National Guard Youth ChalleNGe programs serving South Carolina, Maryland and the District of Columbia.

The package will include Moment of Inspiration 3D modeling software, a course syllabus, comprehensive lessons plans, supporting videos and student handouts. The classroom curriculum will be bundled for one teacher and 10 students. There also will be a single-user self-directed curriculum package for home use. Students will be able to print completion certificates after passing a performance-based assessment.

By offering this curriculum for sale to online subscribers, we will create an important new source of revenue to support our work with at-risk youth and to share the power of 3D printing with people everywhere.

We’ve seen over and over again that our training does much more than introduce students to the hot, new technology of 3D printing. It improves problem solving skills, stimulates creativity, reinforces STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education and builds self-confidence. Plus, it’s fun to discover how to turn ideas into 3D-printed reality.

Everyone who contributes to our Kickstarter campaign will get the satisfaction of knowing they’re helping at-risk kids learn to think differently and make better decisions through 3D. In addition, we’re offering five levels of rewards for our backers.

For donations up to $25: A handy 3D ThinkLink ruler/bookmark

For donations of $50: A personalized key chain tag, which is one of the first things our students learn to make in class

For donations of $100: A personalized two-color case for an iPhone or Android phone designed and printed in our 3D ThinkLink Lab

For donations of $500 or more: A single-user self-directed curriculum package

For donations of $5,000 or more: The complete classroom curriculum package

Our plan is to complete the project and deliver all rewards to backers within 60 days of reaching our $8,000 Kickstarter goal.

You’ll find frequent updates about the campaign on our Kickstarter page, as well as here on our website and on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

YouthQuest Golf Tournament Raises Funds to Help At-Risk Youth

August 19, 2014 stevep News

Waterfall and clubhouse at Trump National Golf Club, Washington, DC

It was a day of fun and fundraising as about 150 golfers, sponsors and volunteers took part in the Challenge at Trump National Aug. 11.

Tournament Committee Chairman Bill Hall hailed the ninth annual event as “another resounding success.”

Golf Entertainer Brad Denton demonstrates putting techniques at the 2014 Challenge at Trump National — Golf Entertainer Brad Denton shows players how to improve their short game

The tournament generated enough money to ensure that we will achieve our goal of opening a 3D printing lab at our headquarters in Chantilly, Va., by the end of this year, according to YouthQuest Co-Founder and President Lynda Mann. This is an important step in the growth of our 3D ThinkLink Initiative, which helps at-risk teens strengthen their creativity, critical thinking and problem solving skills.

After Golf Entertainer Brad Denton’s demonstration of putting techniques the pros use, the players headed out onto the Championship Course at Trump National Golf Club, Washington, DC. Thanks to General Manager Det Williams, Director of Golf Kevin Morris, event planner Vicky Kurasz and the rest of the excellent Trump National staff, everything ran smoothly on and off the course.

The VIP guests assigned to each team included retired Major League Soccer goalkeeper Mike Ammann, pitchers Pete Schourek and Shawn Camp from Major League Baseball, active and retired members of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brett Kayes and the always-supportive Washington Redskins alumni.

YouthQuest Co-Founder and President Lynda Mann presents Chris Eaton's Volunteer of the Year Award to his mother, Betty Eaton — Betty Eaton with Lynda Mann

The day wrapped up with an award ceremony and reception, where Chris Eaton was remembered with a posthumous Volunteer of the Year Award. Chris, who had served as a volunteer at the tournament every year since 2008, suffered a fatal heart attack while competing in a triathlon a week after last year’s Challenge at Trump National. His mother, Betty Eaton, accepted a plaque honoring him during our VIP Reception on Aug. 7.

Joey Darley of Joey’s Smiles Photography and Scene2bSeen received the 2014 Community Partner Award in recognition of his longstanding support for YouthQuest’s mission.

New York Times bestselling author John Gilstrap joined us at both receptions to sign copies of his new thriller, End Game. As part of the live auction at our 2012 wine event, John offered to put the highest bidder in the book. Ryan and Tre Cage won the bidding and asked John to give the character their mother’s name. So while we know Jolaine Cage as a key YouthQuest volunteer, she’s a highly trained security specialist on the run in End Game.

3D ThinkLink Lab student Daikwon Jones explains his solar robot to Joy Gilstrap at YouthQuest's VIP Reception Aug. 7, 2014 — Daikwon Jones explains his solar-powered robot to Joy Gilstrap at the VIP Reception

We’re grateful to Michael Garcia and his staff at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in McLean, Va., for hosting the VIP Reception again this year. It was a great opportunity for our supporters to meet some of the young people they’re helping through their contributions to YouthQuest.

Five students who were participating in a week of 3D ThinkLink Lab immersion training showed off their creations and told our guests about how they’ve benefited from being involved in our project.

Several new sponsors joined us this year, including Wells Fargo Private Bank, which sponsored Brad Denton’s appearance.

This tournament wouldn’t be possible without the work of our volunteers, led this year by John Bloom. We deeply appreciate the time and effort everyone devoted to making the event a success.

Because of the generosity of our supporters, YouthQuest is doing more than ever to provide academic and vocational development, infrastructure and life-enriching experiences for America’s at-risk youth.

Our next tournament will take place on Monday, August 10, 2015. Sponsors are already signing up and we’re working on plans to make the 10^th annual Challenge at Trump National the best one yet.

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Register Now for the Challenge at Trump National Golf Club

May 20, 2014 stevep News

Golf Entertainer Brad Denton at YouthQuest's 2013 Challenge at Trump National

You’re invited to be part of YouthQuest’s signature fundraising event to support our programs for at-risk youth, the 9th Annual Challenge at Trump National Golf Club, on Monday, August 11.

CLICK HERE for registration and sponsorship level information.

Your support for this tournament is crucial in our Foundation’s mission to help at-risk youth across America become productive citizens through education and employment.

Students with a 3D printer at the DC Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy

Nationally, we provide opportunities for high school dropouts to turn their lives around with projects such as the 3D ThinkLink Initiative. Thanks to our 3D design and printing classes at National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academies, former dropouts from Maryland, South Carolina and the District of Columbia are developing critical thinking and problem solving skills that will help them make better decisions as they enter adulthood.

Funds raised through the golf tournament will help us expand this unique STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education project to include more states and other organizations that work with at-risk youth in underserved communities.

Locally, we support programs that prevent kids from dropping out of school and show them how to become productive citizens. For example, the Foundation has contributed to College Tribe’s tutoring programs to keep young African-American men in Southeast DC on the path to college. We also sponsor the annual Step Up Loudoun Youth Competition, in which students create projects to solve problems facing teens in Loudoun County, Va.

Action at the 2013 Challenge at Trump National

It will be a full day of fun and networking at the world-class Trump National Golf Club, Washington, DC, as our sponsors and guests make valuable face-to-face connections with business and community leaders, as well as local sports figures and other celebrities. Each foursome will be matched up with a celebrity player.

Everyone will enjoy breakfast in the clubhouse and demonstration by Golf Entertainer Brad Denton before a 9:30 am shotgun start on the scenic and challenging course along the Potomac River. Lunch will be served on the course and there will be an awards reception at the Trump National clubhouse to wrap up the day.

In addition, tournament sponsors and VIPs will attend a reception Thursday night, Aug. 7 at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar in Tysons Corner, Va.

Last year’s Challenge at Trump National was the biggest and best so far. We’re determined to top it this year. You can help make it happen by signing up to be a player, sponsor or volunteer — or by making a donation for the silent auction or player gift bags.

YouthQuest’s Charity Golf Tournament Was Biggest and Best Yet

August 16, 2013 stevep News

Brad Denton performs at YouthQuest's 2013 Challenge at Trump National Golf Course — The amazing Brad Denton

“It was a grand day for America’s at-risk youth,” says YouthQuest Foundation Co-Founder and President Lynda Mann.

The 8^th Annual Challenge at Trump National Golf Club in Potomac Falls, Va., on Aug. 12 was YouthQuest’s most successful fundraiser ever.

“The weather was great, the event was great, people really enjoyed themselves,” says Lynda.

After watching a trick-shot performance by the always-entertaining Brad Denton, 115 golfers headed out for a shotgun start on Trump’s challenging Championship Course.

“It was the largest field of golfers we’ve ever had and there were more new sponsors than in previous years,” says YouthQuest Secretary Bill Hall.

Loudoun Hounds mascot Fetch at YouthQuest's 2013 Challenge at Trump National Golf Club — Fetch makes his tournament debut

One sign of the growing community support for our tournament was the presence of Fetch, the big, floppy-eared mascot for the Loudoun Hounds baseball team of the independent Atlantic League. While Fetch and his handlers from the Hounds greeted players on the 1^st tee, representatives from the North American Soccer League’s Virginia Cavalry FC manned the 18^th. This is the first year we’ve had the Hounds and Cavalry as tournament sponsors.

Both teams are part of VIP Sports & Entertainment, whose vice chairman is Joe Travez, a valued partner in our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education initiative. He’s the CEO of Prototype Productions, Inc. in Ashburn, which hosted a tour in June for the students in our first 3D printing class. Mr. Travez’s message to the teens from Maryland’s Freestate ChalleNGe Academy during their visit was inspirational and we hope to make PPI an integral part of our expanded STEM program.

The money raised through the golf tournament helps us provide academic and vocational development, infrastructure support and life-enriching experiences that give troubled teens the opportunity to fulfill their potential. Thanks to our supporters’ generous contributions, we will be able to reach many more students with our 3D printing project. We’ll also promote the growth of GRL-PWR, the girls’ empowerment program that came to our attention through our sponsorship of the Loudoun Youth Step Up competition.

Bill, who chairs the golf tournament committee, says what our guests learn about YouthQuest during the event makes a strong impression. He recalls one player from Hewlett-Packard telling him: “This is the kind of stuff we need to be supporting. This I can see makes a difference.”

Besides contributing to a good cause, players come back year after year because “it’s just a fun tournament,” says Lynda.

Washington Redskins alumni Mike Nelms, Roy Jefferson and Mike Bragg sign a football for Destination Cellars CEO David Keuhner and his son Jaden — Washington Redskins alumni Mike Nelms, Roy Jefferson and Mike Bragg sign a football for Destination Cellars CEO David Keuhner and his son, Jaden.

“The celebrities are always a big hit,” adds Bill. “One guy said ‘I’m a great Redskins fan, so try to put a Redskin with me,’ which we did.”

The Washington Redskins alumni are perennial favorites. Executive Director Jerry Olsen, Charley Taylor, Jimmie Jones, Mike Nelms, Roy Jefferson, Mike Bragg and Ravin Caldwell were on this year’s tournament roster.

Adding some sports diversity to the field of golfers, we also welcomed former Major League Baseball pitcher Pete Schourek, along with retired Major League Soccer goalkeepers Mike Ammann and Mark Simpson. Both used to play for DC United and Mark is now director of soccer operations for the Cavalry.

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Pete Schourek at YouthQuest's 2013 Challenge at Trump National Golf Course — Pete Schourek in action

We were also honored to have Fairfax City Chief Dave Rohr playing again this year, in addition to other local first responders. Representing Fairfax County Fire & Rescue were Deputy Chief Michael Reilly, retired Deputy Chief Glenn Benarick and retired firefighters Rand Gaber and Oliver Skinker.

After a sun-and-fun-filled day on the course, everyone cooled off at a reception and awards ceremony at the Trump National clubhouse.

Our Director of Training and Volunteer of the Year, Tom Meeks, demonstrated 3D printing and GRL-PWR Co-Founder Royal Phillips spoke about our partnership.

3D Systems Director of Social Impact Leanne Gluck accepted our Additive Manufacturing Strategic Partner Award. The company’s support has been essential in the development of our 3D printing project. It provided the hardware the students use and hosted a tour of the plant where the Cube 3D printers are built.

Community Partner Awards went to the NFL Players Association and Washington Redskins Chapter of NFL Alumni, Inc., along with Michael Garcia, operating partner of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in McLean, Va., which hosted the tournament’s VIP reception on Aug. 8. Ritzert & Leyton, PC sponsored the VIP reception at Fleming’s.

Loudoun Youth's Jared Melvin putts as Lynda Mann and Redskins great Roy Jefferson watch at YouthQuest's 2013 Challenge at Trump National Golf Club — Loudoun Youth CEO Jared Melvin putts on the 1st green as Lynda Mann and Roy Jefferson watch.

The Foundation also awarded grants to Luke’s Wings and Loudoun Youth’s Step Up.

Luke’s Wings is a nonprofit organization that provides flights for families to visit wounded American servicemembers who are hospitalized or in rehabilitation. YouthQuest understands that separation can be a serious risk factor for children in military families, especially in times of crisis. By bringing families together, Luke’s Wings helps reduce the risks for kids.

The Step Up contest challenges Loudoun County middle and high school students to become leaders by identifying problems in their communities and developing solutions. YouthQuest is pleased to renew its sponsorship of the competition.

The Trump National staff deserves an award, too, for their quick response to anything we needed. All of our tournament participants were treated to a first-class experience.

“We love having our event at Trump because their staff makes us look really good,” says Lynda. “They just make it happen.”

There’s just one thing that would make our signature fundraising event better, says Lynda. That is if Donald Trump’s busy schedule allows him to accept our invitation to play in the 9^th Annual Challenge at Trump National on Aug. 11, 2014.

We hope to see you there, too.

Gary Hoffman: Why I Support YouthQuest

August 1, 2013 stevep News

Gary Hoffman, left, and fellow volunteer Tony Sanderson at YouthQuest's 2010 golf tournament

Throughout his career, Gary Hoffman has met “a lot of really good kids who had just gotten off the right path.”

He’s a longtime YouthQuest Foundation volunteer because he’s seen how the programs we support put at-risk teens back on the path to a better life.

Gary has volunteered at our annual fundraising golf event since 2008. (This year’s Challenge at Trump National Golf Club is on Aug. 12. Click here for details and registration information.)

“I got involved with the golf tournament as a volunteer to support the cause because I knew what great things they did for at-risk youth in the community,” he says.

Gary is an account manager with Temporary Solutions, an Employment Enterprises company based in Manassas, Va. Previously, he worked in higher education business development and the Job Corps, which introduced him to the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy program. In the process, he learned about our Foundation’s partnership with the ChalleNGe program and became an enthusiastic YouthQuest supporter.

He praises the Foundation’s dedication to providing high school dropouts with opportunities to resume their education, and to learn the life skills and values they need to become “healthy, productive adults in the community.”

At-risk kids see the world as “being against them,” Gary explains. “But when they see there is a community out there that supports them and wants to see them succeed, then it gives them a broader view of society and lets them know there is a possibility that they can succeed in life if they just apply themselves and surround themselves with the right people.”

YouthQuest helps them do that not only by making financial contributions, he says, but by “showing them there are people in the community that stand behind them and support their positive growth and development.”

“YouthQuest opens their eyes and gives them a glimpse of what’s possible,” says Gary. “That’s one of the reasons I wanted to become a part of it and gladly volunteer my time.”

If you would like to become a volunteer, contact us at info@youthquestfoundation.org or call (703) 234-4633.

YouthQuest Co-Founder Featured in Washington Post

July 22, 2013 stevep News

YouthQuest Co-Founder and Vice President Allen Cage — Allen Cage

YouthQuest Foundation Vice President and Co-Founder Allen Cage talked with the Washington Post about our upcoming fundraiser, The Challenge at Trump National Golf Club.

Allen also runs AOC Solutions and several companies that provide financial systems and e-commerce services for government and commercial customers.

He told Capital Business columnist Thomas Heath he hopes to make this year’s tournament the biggest one so far.

Cage is now using his business contacts to help raise money at his Aug. 12 golf tournament to benefit his YouthQuest Foundation, which provides scholarships for at-risk teens. The tournament is at the Trump National Golf Club in Sterling.

“We raised $75,000 last year and we are hoping to raise that to $100,000 this year,” said Cage. Read the full column here.

The golf tournament is the signature annual fundraiser for our Foundation. There’s still time to register as a player or sponsor. Click here for details and sign-up information.

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