18-Year-Old Ietetsu Ueyama Organizes Fundraiser to Benefit Junior Golf Development Programs
At the age of 8 a junior golfer, Ietetsu Ueyama, decided he wanted to host a birthday party at Haggin Oaks, but he didnât want his friends to give him a gift. He asked that his friends give a donation toward Morton Golf Foundation to support junior golf. The day ended with Ietetsu donating $455.00 to Morton Golf Foundation so another junior golfer could have the opportunity to play the game. Read all about Ueyama on the Morton Golf Foundation Blog.
Ten years later, on July 17th, 2023, Ietetsu Ueyama, now 18 years old wanted to create another fundraiser to support Morton Golf Foundation. With all proceeds going to support junior golf development grants and grow their game through tournaments, coaching, and equipment.
For the past 4 months, Ietetsu has been using his great personality and skills by asking his friends and families for support in growing his next fundraiser.
Ietetsu has been a volunteer for Morton Golf Foundation since he has been 4 ½ years old. At that time, he attended an âEaster Egg Huntâ at Haggin Oaks and decided that day that he was going to volunteer. For the past 14 years, Ietetsu has been an active volunteer in helping raise funds to give back to other non-profits to grow the game of golf. When he turned 18, he decided that he wanted to give back into adulthood and called the Morton Golf Foundation to discuss his newest adventure with creating his next fundraiser. The idea come about at a Committee meeting to have a Mini Golf Night knowing that whoever he asked to participate could join in whether they played golf or not.
On Monday evening, July 17th the fundraiser kicked off with 7 putting teams participating along with several donors that provided the opportunity for a junior to participate.
30 participants gathered in the 107-degree heat starting at 5:00 p.m. One participant was quoted as saying, âWe had so much fun at the event that I donât remember how hot it was.â
As the evening came to an end, a wonderful catered dinner was provided in the Pavilion Tent by his family, owners of Shoki Ramen House, 2530 21st Street, Sacramento.
The Winning team was won by Kelli Corlett, Ellis Morton, Evan Morton, Kenny Castro & Alex Cooper with a score of only 26 putts.
This year Ietetsuâs fundraiser will donate nearly $2,000 to support future junior golf development grants!
Frank LaRosa, a friend and board member of Morton Golf Foundation was the emcee of the event. Frank interviewed Ietetsu and asked if he would wait another 10 years to do a fundraiser since he did one at age 8 and age 18. Ietetsu answered back, âIâll do one every yearâ.
Are hats are off to our friend IETETSU UEYAMA for believing in the mission and organizing a thrilling mini golf night. It is philanthropy like his that continues to help all ages of people through this amazing sport of golf, character building, and competition for a lifetime.
If you would like to hear about future Morton Golf Foundation fundraisers, subscribe to Golf In The City Of Sacramento.
