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WESTFORD — A local student is using his love for golf to fundraise for families struggling to afford healthcare costs at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Andrew Cao, a rising senior at Middlesex School in Concord began Greens for Dreams in 2019 as a rising freshman, which aims to use golf lessons to raise money for families in need.
“We use various golf events or fundraisers to raise money,” he told WestfordCAT. “We also partner with local businesses, all to raise money for the hospital.”
Cao founded Greens for Dreams to lower the barrier for golf as well as for his love for the environment.
“I wanted to lower the barrier of entry to golf, because as many people know it is a very expensive sport,” he said.
He continued, “The reason for me raising money for Boston Children’s Hospital was in Westford with the asphalt plant. One of my best friends lived very close, he ended up moving to a different town because he didn’t want to deal with the pollution and toxins. This event inspired me to care about the environment and the local residents.”
Greens for Dreams has hosted two golf tournaments, where the organization raised over $3,000 between a tournament, raffle and silent auction. So far, the organization has raised over $7,000 in total — 70% of its $10,000 goal.
As Cao approaches his final year in high school, he hopes to remain involved with Greens for Dreams even after graduation.
“Over time I have gathered a bunch of people behind me, so I hope these people can also carry it on,” he said. “In the future I hope to keep giving back through golf, so I’m also hoping to help with the tournament in the future and teach lessons when I’m back here.”
He continued, “community service is something I really value because there’s so many opportunities and there are so many problems that can be solved in society today.”
Greens for Dreams will be hosting its third charity tournament on Sunday, August 7 at 12:30 p.m. at Sandy Burr Country Club in Wayland.
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