PASADENA, California (May 1, 2025) - The APGA Foundation today presented a donation of $30,400 to the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena and First Tee – Greater Pasadena to support fire relief efforts for the neighboring Altadena community following January’s devastating wildfires.
Funds were raised through birdies and eagles made during the APGA Tour Farmers Insurance® Invitational in January, totaling $9,300. With matching contributions from Farmers Insurance and APGA co-founder Ken Bentley, along with additional support, the total donation reached $30,400. These funds will help replace equipment lost in the fires, expand youth programming and support families facing hardships due to the fires.
“This donation reflects the APGA’s commitment to using golf as a platform for change,” said Ken Bentley, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Co-Founder of the APGA. “Our hearts go out to the families impacted by the Altadena fires, and we’re proud to stand with these outstanding youth organizations that are making a difference.”
The event was held at Brookside Golf Club in Pasadena and included appearances by Bentley; APGA Tour players Andrew Fernandez, Jonathan Yoshihiro and Rovonta Young; as well as youth and staff from Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena and First Tee – Greater Pasadena.
The effort was made possible with the support of Farmers Insurance, a longtime APGA sponsor focused on expanding access and opportunity in golf and beyond.
Leaders from the recipient organizations emphasized the deeper meaning of the donation — not just in dollars, but in the message of resilience and community it brings.
“This generous donation means everything to our youth,” said Mark Fritz of First Tee - Greater Pasadena. “Beyond the financial help, it sends a powerful message: that their community believes in them and is here to support them through tough times.”
The event concluded with a surprise check presentation, group photo opportunity and interviews with representatives from the APGA, the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena and First Tee – Greater Pasadena.
About the APGA Tour
The APGA Tour was established in 2010 as a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring an inclusive future through the game of golf. The APGA Tour Board of Directors works diligently to accomplish this by hosting and operating professional golf tournaments, player development programs, mentoring programs, and by introducing the game to inner city young people. In addition to conducting 18 tournaments awarding more than $1 million in prize and bonus money, the APGA has organized a Player Development Program to aid young minority golfers as they work to chase their professional golf goals.
About Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena
Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena has been a cornerstone of the community since our doors opened in 1937. Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena provides a safe and structured environment for young people after school, during holidays, and on summer vacation. Youth ages 5-18 are encouraged to join and open the door to all of the fun and exciting activities we have to offer.
In every community, without safe and supervised after school activities, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about them. Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena offers that and more. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of our members by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.
We are a safe place to learn and grow — all while having fun.
About First Tee – Greater Pasadena
First Tee – Greater Pasadena is a chapter of First Tee and helps kids ages 5-17 develop their golf swing, but more importantly, their inner strength and character. Because we know what’s inside doesn’t just count; it changes the game. We believe experiences are our greatest teacher, and they should be both fun and meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail, and better equipped for whatever comes their way.
Aside from Brookside (home facility), First Tee – Greater Pasadena operates programming at these golf facility program locations: Alhambra Golf Course, Altadena Golf Course, Arcadia Golf Course, Arroyo Seco Golf Course, Eaton Canyon Golf Course, Marshall Canyon Golf Course, Mountain Meadows Golf Course, and Santa Anita Golf Course. First Tee – Greater Pasadena holds programs directed towards youth ages 5 to 17, with a specific target for 5th through 8th graders. The cost to each youth is $145/participant in our 8-week sessions that are age-based. This activity fee allows members to utilize the golf courses and enter them into the First Tee Life Skills Education™ program, partially paying for their Life Skills materials. We encourage youth organizations to contact us for group participation. Golf equipment is provided free of charge if needed. Participation fees assist First Tee – Greater Pasadena to offset coaching fees and provide the opportunity to hire additional coaches. First Tee – Greater Pasadena Board of Directors, in cooperation with community supporters, including parents of our participants, is committed to raising the additional funds needed to maintain the quality of our program.
Media Contacts
APGA Tour
Kara Lee
BZA Public Relations
Apga@bzapr.com