Celebrating 20 Years of First Tee – Monterey County
On Saturday, I had the privilege of photographing First Tee – Monterey County’s Boots, Bottles & BBQ, one of the Central Coast’s favorite fundraisers. Held right on First Tee’s home course at Twin Creeks in Salinas, this year’s event carried extra meaning: it marked 20 years of First Tee – Monterey County helping local kids grow on and off the golf course.
As a Monterey County event photographer, nights like this are why I love what I do. Boots, Bottles & BBQ is equal parts country-western party and community celebration, and every corner of the evening had a story worth capturing.
A Night Built Around the Kids
First Tee isn’t just about golf. The program uses the game to teach young people confidence, respect, perseverance, and good decision-making, and First Tee – Monterey County has reached more than 160,000 young people since it began. Every pair of boots on the lawn and every glass raised that evening helped fund programs that keep those kids learning, playing, and dreaming big.
That purpose was felt all night long. Between the laughter and the music, guests kept coming back to the same idea: this is about investing in the next generation of Monterey County.
Boots, Bottles, and Plenty of BBQ
True to its name, the event delivered on all three. Guests showed up in their best western wear, from well-loved cowboy boots to brand-new hats, and it made for some of my favorite portraits of the night. Local wine flowed, the barbecue smelled incredible from the moment I arrived, and the golden late-summer light over the course gave everything a warm, relaxed glow.
My goal at events like this is to document the whole experience: the big moments on stage, the candid conversations between old friends, the volunteers working behind the scenes, and the small details organizers spend months planning. The gallery below captures the energy, generosity, and fun that make Boots, Bottles & BBQ such a beloved tradition in Salinas.
Why Nonprofit Event Photography Matters
For nonprofits, great event photos do much more than fill a slideshow. They become the images that tell your story long after the night is over, in donor thank-you emails, sponsor recaps, grant applications, social media, annual reports, and next year’s invitations. When supporters can see the joy and impact of an event, they’re far more likely to come back and give again.
That’s why I approach every fundraiser and gala with both a storyteller’s eye and a planner’s mindset. I work quietly in the background so guests can relax and be themselves, and I make sure organizers walk away with a complete, polished collection that covers sponsors, speakers, décor, and the people who make it all possible.
Planning a Fundraiser, Gala, or Community Event?
If you’re planning a nonprofit fundraiser, charity gala, golf tournament, or corporate event in Monterey County, Salinas, Monterey, Carmel, or anywhere on the Central Coast, I’d love to help you capture it. From intimate gatherings to large community celebrations, St. Germain Photography provides professional event coverage that tells your story and helps you share your mission.
Click the button below to book your event coverage, and let’s make your next event unforgettable.
