Elevate Augusta partnering with The Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation to help students in the area

EVANS, Ga. (WJBF) – A local nonprofit organization is working with Masters legend Gary Player’s Foundation, and the connection goes back more than 60 years.

Elevate Augusta is a program that helps students with their social and emotional health.

“Program that is youth leadership development inside the classroom,” said Aliegha Kemp – Executive Director for Elevate Augusta. “Teacher mentors working hand and hand with our school system and our students to be able to give them opportunity and access.”

The Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation felt that Elevate aligned with what they wanted to help. o, they decided to partner with them.

“We found out, looking through key indicators, that the best way to break intergenerational poverty is through education, health, and housing,” said Amanda Leigh Player Hall, Gary Players’ Daughter and President and Executive Director of the Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation. “And so, we are thrilled to be able to partner with Elevate to go into the schools and really provide these valuable long-term stable relationships.”

Player found out Elevate Board Member Steve Kendrick was related to Ernest Nipper, who was on the bag when Player won his first Green Jacket in 1961

“When Amanda was joining our board, I recognized, and I didn’t say anything the first couple of times,” said Steven Kendrick, Related to Ernest Kipper and Elevate Augusta’s founding board members. “But at a board meeting, I just happened to mention to her that my uncle Ernest Nipper was his caddie in 1961 when he won his first Masters. Think those types of things don’t happen by chance.”

It was a full-circle moment for Player being able to meet Kendrick.
“He was the best caddie I have ever had. e was so clever,” said Gary Player, three-time Masters Champion. e knew how to play golf, how to pick the right club, and how to pick the line. Of course, he lived here in Augusta. o, to meet Mr. Kendrick today is a great honor for me in many respects.”

Player is happy to help the youth in Augusta. A place that has played a special place in his life.

“I know what it is to suffer. However, suffering is one of the reasons I became world champion. Therefore, we have to give these young people opportunities, and this is what we’re going to be doing with my dear friend here, my daughter, and other people associated with Elevate,” said Player.

Elevate will begin its classes in the fall at Richmond Academy.

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