RICHMOND TWP., Pa. – Golfers are putting their skills and endurance to the test all for a good cause in Berks County.

69 News Reporter Sydney Kay has more from Richmond Township with how a dawn-to-dusk golf marathon is benefiting a local non-profit.

Eighteen holes isn’t the goal of this group at Moselem Springs Golf Club in Richmond Township.

A whopping 100 is what they’re swinging for, no matter how long it takes.

The Summer Solstice 100-hole Golf Marathon is an inaugural event by First Tee Lehigh Valley and Berks nonprofit.

“We are a youth-focused organization where we are developing youth character through the game of golf,” said its executive director, Luke Smith.

The group is shooting for raising $25,000 as its programs kick off this week with schools out for summer.

“If you’re a golfer, this is definitely a test of character development today. It’s all in the name of charity. This is a fundraiser for us,” Smith said.

Working with 7 to 15 year old athletes, coaches teach them core values that translate to both life and golf.

“I think we all know that if you want something in life and it’s important to you, you have to work at it. Perseverance, hard work, and dedication are all very important in that,” said Brian Farrell, a board chairman with the nonprofit.

Once in the program herself, Abby McCaffery is now a coach with the organization.

She says it goes beyond learning just the sport.

“How to be a good sportsman, how to have confidence in yourself and in your own game, and you know that’s important because in life you’re not losing those skills so it’s important to have those to be both a good golfer and a good human being,” she explained.

Also offering scholarships, the nonprofit surprised Abby live on-air with us during 69 News at Sunrise.

First Tee Lehigh Valley and Berks Board Chair Brian Farrell surprised a Kutztown University student with a $2,000 scholarship…on air! The Summer Solstice 100-Hole Golf Marathon, which will benefit First Tee Lehigh Valley and Berks, tees off Monday at the Moselem Springs Golf Club.


“I had no idea. I applied for the scholarship, but I didn’t know I was getting it, so this was just a wonderful surprise,” said McCaffery.

Utilizing the skills she learned throughout the program, she plans to go to Kutztown University in the fall.

You can donate to Monday’s day-long marathon event by heading to firstteelehighvalley.org/donate.