Emily joined our family through foster care adoption in 2016. Her story inspired her 9-year-old brother, Alexander (AJ) Pace, to act for thousands of Michigan kids still waiting for holiday joy. A competitive junior golfer, AJ launched Golf Fore Kids in 2017 — running charity scrambles and toy drives across Southeast Michigan for eight straight years. Every dollar and every toy went directly to kids. Each December, we hand-delivered trunkloads of gifts to Samaritas, Homes for Black Children, and Brightmoor Christian Church Christmas Outreach.
8 years of toy drives across Michigan
A look back at the communities and kids who made these drives special. Browse photos from Golf Fore Kids events and Samaritas wishlist deliveries.
Golf scrambles were never really about golf
Every summer, AJ traded birdies for boxes of toys. Eight years of scrambles, and the real score was the Christmas morning happiness across Michigan.
Memories from the Golf Fore Kids years
Parents and volunteers share what the drives meant to them. Their words show why this work matters in Michigan.
Our first Christmas with the kids, the gifts from the Samaritas wishlist made the morning feel whole. We'll never forget watching them open something picked just for them.
Parent, foster care program
Samaritas program recipient
I volunteered at three scrambles and watched AJ haul bags of toys to the clubhouse each year. He never slowed down, even when it rained.
Volunteer, Golf Fore Kids
Event volunteer
The legos and bikes went fast. Knowing kids across Michigan had gifts under the tree made every hour of sorting worth it.
Drive organizer
Homes for Black Children volunteer
Watching my daughter step into Emily's role this year feels like coming full circle. The community has carried this family for eight years.
Parent & adopter
Golf Fore Kids supporter
Give a gift that makes a Michigan kid smile
Pick a gift from the wishlist or give to the toy fund. Emily will make sure it gets there in time for Christmas.