UPDATE: THANK YOU SO MUCH! We raised more than $4,000! Truly appreciate all who gave to this fundraiser. And The First Tee kids thank you even more!

Hey everyone! Matt Barnes here and with some big news. I'm running the 2025 TCS New York Marathon! It'll be my second marathon ever, and I'm not a guy who ever thought I would run one. But having the opportunity to run one of the iconic races in the world is something I couldn't pass up.

But just as exciting is that I'm using the run to raise money for a cause that I am very passionate about: The First Tee of Central Ohio.

I sit on the board of this great organization and can see the impact it is making on kids in Central Ohio. And with more funds means more opportunities.

Whether that be through their in-school program introducing students to the game in a gymnasium or their outdoor programming that allows young people to play on grass, the lessons learned through the game of golf are lessons that can be applied to their lives off the course.

The First Tee of Central Ohio's mission statement is: "Impacting the lives of young people by providing education programs that build character, instill life enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf."

Every contribution, big or small, makes a real impact. Even just a few dollars can help move this mission forward and reach those who need it most. And might I suggest $26 for the 26 miles I'm going to putting my body through on November 2nd? Just has a nice symmetry.

So on behalf of myself, The First Tee of Central Ohio and the thousands of kids they impact every year, THANK YOU!