Fort Worth Christian golfer giving back to the community by helping senior citizens
Maturity can’t be taught, but it can separate the good athletes from the great ones. It’s even nice to see when underclassmen exemplify it.
Madison Ude, 15, just finished her freshman year playing golf at Fort Worth Christian.
For the past two months, Ude has been raising money for the Metroport Meals on Wheels and 70s for Senior Program.
She’s raised $1,880 since May.
“Metroport Meals on Wheels was an easy choice for me. I wanted to pick a charity close to where I live, and I have a lot of experience with MMOW. In the past, my family and I have volunteered with MMOW at Thanksgiving by serving meals,” Ude said. “My dad has been helping them for the last few years. By working with them, I learned that the charity helps out senior citizens.”
MMOW is a grassroots volunteer advocate for the elderly and those in need through home-delivered meals, senior center lunches, activity programs and other support services with areas in northeast Tarrant County and south Denton.
“Another reason I wanted a charity close to where I live is so I could give back to my community. I want to help out the seniors around my community that are in need and MMOW was the perfect opportunity for me to do so,” Ude said.
The coronavirus created the need for help in many communities.
Students at Fort Worth Christian are taught about a lifetime of faith and service, which made it easy for Ude to give back.
“I feel like part of my personality is wanting to help out others. Each year I have golf related goals and I thought it would be fun to connect those goals into a fundraiser for a charity in 2020,” she said.
Ude made a pamphlet with information about herself and sent it out to family, friends and teachers. For each official competitive tournament round Ude shoots in the 70s, the people that support her can donate to MMOW.
So far, she has 22 supporters that has raised nearly $2,000.
“This means every time I shoot in the 70s, it not only helps me reach my golf goals, but it helps out local seniors in need,” Ude said. “Doing something to help others feels great. I love helping people and looking out for others. It makes me feel happy that I’m able to help out senior citizens in my community. To me, it feels like helping others is second nature. “
Ude has been playing golf since she was 7.
It’s a break from school and a way to enjoy the outdoors.
“I love it so much because of the challenges it gives me,” she said. “I love the thrill of competition and I have made lasting friendships from the tournaments.”
The program is still running through Dec. 1 and anyone can choose to support Ude and help donate. People can donate between $5-50 for each round she shoots a 70 in competitive tournaments.
She has one tournament at the end of July and is planning to play five more in the fall.
“I’ve shot in the 70s several times so far, but honestly, it’s really hard to do it, so the more people supporting me the more money we can raise,” Ude said. “But what would be really cool is if other golfers did something similar because that way we could have a really big impact on MMOW or other charities in our community.
“And hopefully this will be extra motivation for golfers to get better.”
Tournaments
NTPGA All American Tour Spring Finale at Texas Rangers Golf Club: 81, 77
NTPGA All American Tour Summer Kickoff at Bridlewood Golf Club: 86, 75
NTPGA All American Tour Girls Series No. 1 at Sherrill Park Golf Club: 82, 79
AJGA Bob Estes Preview Junior at Abilene Country Club: 81, 79
Legends Junior Tour 94th Texas Junior Amateur at Horseshoe Bay: July 27-29
