Arthur Blank makes a gift to golf

Home Depot founder Arthur M. Blank, now the owner of the PGA Tour Superstores chain of golf shops, will donate $1 million to The First Tee youth development program.

“My family and our business associates are proud to partner with The First Tee to impact the lives of young people by building character and instilling honesty, integrity, sportsmanship and other life-enhancing values,” said Blank, who arranged the gift through The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. “At the same time, PGA TOUR Superstore is pleased to expand The First Tee’s reach in the communities we serve.”

The First Tee Campaign for 10 Million Young People launched in July 2011. The goal of the Campaign is to raise $100 million by the end of 2012 to enable the organization to reach 10 million new young people by 2017.

The donation will enhance The First Tee’s ability to expand its programs to additional locations, including elementary schools and youth organizations, and train more adults as coaches, mentors and leaders in the program, according to First Tee.