The commitment of Steve and Katie Stapleton — who support the Palmer Foundation as part of our monthly donor program — was inspired in part by the Coast Guard service they share in common with Arnold Palmer. Mr. Palmer regularly proudly shared how his military service was foundational to his success in golf and business.
“I have to tell you it was one of the greatest things I ever did,” Palmer said in a 2012 interview. “They helped me find myself. It was three of the best years of my life. The knowledge that I gained, the maturity that I gained in the Coast Guard was unbelievable. It matured me — it made me a better person.” Steve and Katie feel the same way. Steve says: "The example of leadership Arnold Palmer has provided to so many for so long was not lost on us. That's why we were honored to join with others in providing an automated, recurring monthly gift to support the work of the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation
Live In: League City, Texas
Coast Guard Service: Like Mr. Palmer was, Katie is a yeoman;
Steve is a Storekeeper.
Pillar Passion Point: Katie and Steve highlight the Palmer
Foundation's focus on Children's Health as a strong motivation for
their monthly support. Steve writes: "Support for children with
health challenges especially resonate as we are parents of a four
year old and a newborn.
Barrett McGrath’s connection to Arnold Palmer reaches back to his childhood. Born just 40 miles from Latrobe in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Barrett was quickly inspired by Mr. Palmer’s character and success on and off the golf course. Barrett’s father made clear to him that Mr. Palmer’s demeanor and personality were ones to be modeled after. At the 1971 Masters Tournament, the 12-year-old Barrett met Mr. Palmer and received his iconic signature on the back of his ticket — the first of many Palmer autographs he would collect through the years.
Later in life, Barrett journeyed back to Pittsburgh to see his father, who had been diagnosed with Leukemia. Barrett had also managed to arrange a surprise visit to Latrobe to meet with Arnold Palmer. The 15 minutes that had been scheduled quickly turned into more than an hour of conversation, stories, and a personal tour around Mr. Palmer’s office.
After this experience, Barrett made a promise to his father and Mr. Palmer that he would support the work being done through the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation. Barrett became a monthly donor and plans to maintain his commitment indefinitely.
Lives In: California
Pillar Passion Point: As Mr. Palmer did, Barrett knows
firsthand the impact that golf can have on the lives of young
people. The Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation is committed to
getting clubs in the hands of children, and imparting values through
the game of golf.