Windham grad establishes Strong Girls United Golf Tournament fundraiser

By Matt Pascarella

Windham graduate Tara Flanders benefited greatly from athletics growing up and because of this she began working with the nonprofit “Strong Girls United” whose mission is “to empower girls through sports, mentorship and mental health programming.” Flanders, who began volunteering for the program in summer 2024, is helping to organize the first ever SGU Golf Tournament fundraiser at Point Sebago in Casco on Saturday, Aug. 23.

Windham High graduate Tara Flanders
high-fives Strong Girls United participants
after she completed an obstacle course 
the girls set up for her in York on May 20.
Flanders has organized the first SGU Golf
Tournament fundraiser which takes place in
Casco on Saturday, Aug. 23.
SUBMITTED PHOTO   

“I got involved with Strong Girls United, whose average range of girls in the program are typically kindergarten through eighth grade, through my passion for youth sports and women empowerment,” said Flanders. “I was drawn to SGU’s mission of combining athletics, mentorship, and mental skills development for girls. I ... soon took on a larger role within the organization full time. I focus on building awareness, partnerships, and funding opportunities that support the growth of our programs. I work to ensure SGU can continue offering high-quality, accessible programming to more girls – especially in our local communities like Windham.”

One of the ways Flanders has helped to spread the mission of SGU is through an after-school program she recently launched for second and third graders at Windham Primary School. The six-week program aims to engage girls in a mix of movement activities, like yoga, relay races and games paired with group discussions focused on confidence-building, friendship, and positive self-talk. Each session ends with a reflection prompt, helping the girls build strong mental habits along with physical ones.

SGU centers around three fundamental pillars, physical activity and sports, mental health and well-being activities, and mentorship of strong female role models. They partner with communities, volunteers, universities, and athletes from around the country to run teams, events, conferences and other programming all rooted in their motto: “Strong bodies. Kind hearts. Unstoppable minds.”

“I’ve seen how tournaments bring together people of all ages and backgrounds, whether they’re athletes, families, coaches, or local business leaders,” said Flanders. “These events build community, spark conversations, and create shared memories. They also offer a chance to rally around a cause. With the SGU Golf Tournament, it’s more than just a day on the course, it’s an opportunity to support girls’ confidence, connection, and growth through sport.”

Flanders wanted to start the tournament to create a fun, inclusive and impactful way to raise money and awareness for SGU. She had also worked at Point Sebago since she was 16 and knows this tournament will be a great way to spread SGU’s mission while having fun. Point Sebago is a beautiful course with strong ties to the community and golf offers a relaxed social setting; the two felt like the perfect fit to bring community together in support of empowering girls in Maine.

Community members who participate will enjoy a day of golf while supporting local programming that builds confidence, leadership and mental resilience in young girls. Every registration helps SGU expand their reach, especially in areas like Windham.

The best way to register is online through their website: https://www.sgunitedfoundation.org/golf

SGU is also looking for sponsors, raffle donations, and volunteers. If any local businesses or individuals are interested, please visit the website.

You can also contact Flanders with questions at: Tara@sgunitedfoundation.org. <