By Dan Domsic
Cell reception in the American southwest hasn’t been great for Fishers resident Luke Bielawski.
But he’ll be quick to tell you that the reception from local people he’s met along the way during his From Tee to Shining Tee event has been kind and generous.
Tee to Shining Tee is a philanthropic vehicle for Bielawski to raise money for 12 scholarships at Providence Cristo Rey High School in Indianapolis. His goal is to raise $100,000 by hitting a golf ball across the United States – from coast to coast.
On June 12, Bielawski said approximately 35 percent of his goal had been completed.
“I was trying to think of ways to combine both my passions, golf and philanthropy,” he told Current in a phone interview.
He said he wanted to find a unique, eye-catching idea that would “be a good vehicle to raise money and awareness.”
Sprinkle in a little bit of Hollywood inspiration, and Bielawski was off for a cross-country adventure to raise money for the local school.
“I was watching Forrest Gump, and it sort of just hit me – why not hit a golf ball across the country?”
As of June 12, Bielawski had made it into Texas. According to the Q and A on Get On The Green’s, the not-for-profit that From Tee to Shining Tee falls under, the feasibility study for the feat predicts 3,000 golf balls will be lost on Bielawski’s journey.
But lost golf balls are tiny problems in comparison to some of the challenges on the journey.
Earlier this month, what a started as a single flat tire, set the cause behind three or four days. The spare was too small and caused further complications with the break system on Bielawski’s truck.
“It wasn’t extremely difficult because we met some amazing people along the way that made it relatively easy on us, with their kindness and generosity…” he said.
When asked what his favorite parts of the trip have been, Bielawski said stargazing, the wildlife, landscape, and likely most of all, the people.
“The lack of service we have on our cell phones is made up for by the service of others,” he said.
To learn more or donate, visit www.getonthegreen.org.