AUBURN – Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Associates held a special check presentation in support of the First Tee of Maine at the Auburn Wal-Mart Supercenter Lawn and Garden Center on April 9.

Market 289 Manager David Murray and DC7014 Manager Alan Hanley presented a check for $27,500 to First Tee of Maine president and state Rep. Don Pilon of Saco.

“We are excited about this program and the good work you are doing and happy to lend our support,” said Murray. After watching a promotional DVD on what the program was all about, Pilon made a few comments before accepting the check.

“I want to thank you on behalf of the kids that will be using our services this summer,” said Pilon, “We expect to serve twice as many young people as last year and without this donation from Wal-Mart, it would no be possible to continue to grow our program.”

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the First Tee and Champions Tour joined forces in 2004. The youth development program uses the game of golf to teach life lessons. The common goal is to impact the lives of young people in local communities by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values.

The First Tee of Maine has been given 10 acres of land at Riverside Golf Course in Portland and is building a three-par course and golf clubhouse for young people in Maine.

Although the program uses golf as a platform, the lessons learned continue to extend far beyond the game of golf. Actual participation in the game of golf is not necessarily a prerequisite for interaction at the facilities of the First Tee. The values of golf represent: confidence, perseverance, respect, honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, responsibility, courtesy and judgment. The values are introduced to young people at chapters worldwide and to elementary school students through the First Tee National School Program.

Pilon said the clubhouse will be open this summer. Murray, addressing the dozens of market and store managers and associates, encouraged the stores to get involved through volunteerism and also said that a Wal-Mart/First Tee Golf Tournament is planned as an annual fundraiser.

For more information about national First Tee program, visit www.thefirsttee.org. For more information on the Maine chapter, contact Pilon, 299 Ferry Road, Saco, ME 04072; 286-1911; or e-mail, [email protected]. To find out more about community involvement programs at Wal-Mart, visit www.wal-mart.com.