Originally published at: https://discgolf.ultiworld.com/2022/02/17/ricky-wysocki-launches-sockibomb-foundation/
Ricky Wysocki has launched a new charitable organization, the Sockibomb Foundation, that will seek to help disc golf reach the mainstream.
The foundation, which was promised when Wysocki announced his new multi-million dollar sponsorship deal with Dynamic Discs, will initially focus on getting disc golf into more schools through its First Putt initiative. Schools can be nominated or apply directly for First Putt for the opportunity to get 100 putters and a portable basket into the physical education department free of charge.
Las Vegas’s Wynn Elementary School will be receiving the first package from the First Putt initiative in advance of the Las Vegas Challenge next week.
“We’re planning on doing 100 schools in the first year,” said Wysocki. “…I just want to reach a younger generation, give them the opportunity, give them exposure to disc golf. A lot of them may love it. So I think this is going to be good for the sport, growing it from the grassroots level.”
The organization will seek to fundraise through direct donations and sponsorships. Wysocki himself will be putting money into the organization: $25 for every birdie, $100 for every eagle, and $1000 for every ace he cards in the 2022 season. He will also donate $1000 for any other aces at tournaments he competes in. Last year, he shot 426 birdies, 15 eagles, and 0 aces, which would have yielded $12,150 in donations (not counting the additional aces from other players).
The foundation, incorporated in Ohio and applying for 501(c)(3) non-profit status, has already established a Board of Directors comprised of Pete Cashen, John “JT” Thompson, Andrew Young, Lily Jurado, and Doug Bjerkaas. Ari Hyer, Wysocki’s tour manager, is serving as Executive Director. The foundation has already announced pledged support from Dynamic Discs, Latitude 64, Westside Discs, Sunstein LLP, LWS Tax & Accounting, Gatekeeper Media, and Shaffer Sports Management.
Wysocki is following in the footsteps of Paul McBeth, who last year started the Paul McBeth Foundation, which focuses on installing disc golf courses in underserved parts of the world.