First Tee - Boots, Bottles & BBQ
Turning a Backyard Fundraiser into a Signature Philanthropic Experience
What began as a small gathering of thoughtful community leaders has become one of Monterey County’s most anticipated philanthropic traditions. Boots, Bottles & BBQ isn’t just a fundraiser — it’s a donor cultivation engine, a strategic storytelling platform, and the ultimate showcase for First Tee – Monterey County’s mission and momentum.
Disruptive Development has been involved since the very first event, helping guide its transformation from a casual awareness event into a multimillion-dollar production that now raises $1.3 million annually and features over half a million dollars in sponsorships. The result is a sold-out experience that community leaders look forward to all year—and a night that fuels First Tee’s work long after the tent comes down.
From Seed to Signature
The early vision was simple but powerful: bring people together to support a future where every child in our community has access to opportunity, mentorship, and growth through the game of golf. From that spark, we designed an event that combined authentic charm with a world-class experience.
We kept the cowboy boots and barbecue but elevated everything else — introducing a strolling gourmet dinner, curated wine tastings, dazzling entertainment, one-of-a-kind auction experiences, and seamless production quality. Held on the driving range and under a stunning tent, the event invites guests into a space that feels both personal and momentous. That delicate balance between warmth and wow has kept the event fresh, magnetic, and deeply beloved.
From Backyard Vibes to Boardroom Buy-In
Rather than reinventing the wheel, we refined it — gently, deliberately, and with purpose. Each year, we layered in thoughtful new elements: a strolling gourmet dinner, curated wine tastings, a professionally produced stage show, high-end travel auctions, and headline-worthy musical acts. We preserved the charm of cowboy boots and local barbecue while delivering a guest experience that felt both high-caliber and heartfelt.
But the success wasn’t in the sizzle — it was in the substance. We made every guest feel part of the First Tee family. We capitalized on every touchpoint, every sponsorship opportunity, every conversation. And we never stopped iterating. If something worked, we elevated it. If something felt stale, we reimagined it. That discipline of continuous improvement created a ripple effect — attracting new donors, re-engaging past ones, and building a groundswell of community support year after year.
Building Sponsorship
that Builds Community
We didn’t just sell sponsorships — we created opportunities for businesses to show up as community champions. Each level tied directly to youth impact, helping companies tell a meaningful story about their values. We cultivated long-term relationships, celebrated returning sponsors, and never stopped raising the bar.
Today, the event secures over $500,000 in annual sponsorships with retention rates consistently above 90%. That’s not just loyalty — it’s alignment. Sponsors know that Boots, Bottles & BBQ is where their investment matters most, and where they’ll be surrounded by the region’s most influential changemakers.
Expanding Audience Engagement
Growth didn’t come from simply adding elements — it came from deepening the guest experience year after year. We kept our finger on the pulse of what guests wanted: an unforgettable evening that felt as good as it did generous. By focusing on atmosphere, hospitality, and meaning, we built an event people wanted to be part of — and wanted to share.
We recruited bold, visionary committee members and ensured every guest felt welcomed and appreciated. We injected professional-grade production into every detail — from the sound system to the signage — without losing the relaxed, inclusive vibe that made the event special in the first place. That’s how we created something rare: an event that consistently delivers joy and generosity, year after year.
We never took our guests or donors for granted. We never let the event get stale. And we were never afraid to try new things or think bigger. That mindset is what kept momentum building — and why this event has remained a highlight of the philanthropic calendar.
Storytelling That Inspires Confidence and Connection
One of the most transformative evolutions of this event has been our use of custom video storytelling. We create high-impact pieces that feature not only First Tee youth, but the business and community leaders who champion them. These videos aren’t simply content — they’re a tool of connection, inspiration, and trust-building.
They cultivate new relationships. They steward existing donors. And most of all, they fill every guest — whether attending for the first time or the fourteenth — with a deep sense of confidence in the mission and the people behind it. By the time the Fund the Need appeal begins, guests aren’t just bidding — they’re believing.
Outcome: $10M Raised. A Movement in Motion.
Fourteen years in, Boots, Bottles & BBQ has raised nearly $10 million and become First Tee – Monterey County’s most important fundraising vehicle. But the true impact goes beyond the numbers. This is where new donors are introduced, long-term donors are re-engaged, and future champions are made. It’s where the mission comes to life—on the driving range and under the tent, surrounded by good food, great wine, and even better company.
Disruptive Development didn’t just help an event evolve — we helped shape it into a cornerstone of community leadership, fueled by strategy, storytelling, and the belief that when generosity is cultivated with intention, its impact grows exponentially.
See some of the work we do for First Tee
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