PGA pro and coach Todd Kersting is transforming grief into giving with an upcoming golf clinic designed to draw recruits to the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) and Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR).
In the summer of 2022, a tragic robbery-turned-murder left Rosario Zito dead. He was the owner of Giovanni’s Pizzeria in Albuquerque, New Mexico, along with his wife, Dana. The murder happened there at the restaurant, and that night, two police officers from the APD came. They offered condolences to Dana and Kersting, who is Dana’s brother. The murderer was found that very night.
Pictured: Christmas Eve Balloon Glow to honor the APD and AFR
Kersting is a longtime supporter of the APD and AFR. Over the past 35 years, Kersting has organized the Christmas Eve Balloon Glow. The event features luminaries in memoriam of loved ones who are gone. Local law enforcement and first responders have been a part of this celebration yearly, and last year, the event featured a luminary for Rosario. This year, a heart-shaped luminary will be filled with the names of future first responders and the names of departed loved ones.
Kersting will be hosting two upcoming Christmas in July Golf Clinics at Puerto del Sol Golf Course (1800 Girard Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106) for current and future AFR and APD first responders. Anyone interested in working as an Albuquerque police officer or fire department personnel can come enjoy a free golf clinic on July 23 or July 30 at 7pm. Loaner clubs will be provided (limited quantities available); range balls will be available after the clinic for $5.
Pictured: Kersting at Christmas with his nephew Christ Hawthorne / Station 13
As part of stoking a spirit of community with the APD and AFR, any child under the age of 17 who takes their picture with an APD officer or member of the AFR before or during the clinic will be entered into a drawing for a new set of golf clubs.
Reflecting on Rosario’s murder and how the APD caught the suspect within hours, Kersting said, “These are the heroes, and I want to bring more attention to the work they do. APD detectives worked relentlessly to help my sister through this process. They caught the killer the night Rosario was shot. I am thankful and honored to pay tribute to our first responders.”
Kersting’s sister, Dana, is now accepting tributes for the luminary this Christmas. Names of loved ones can be sent to TKGiovannisPizzaABQ@gmail.com or hand delivered to Giovanni’s Pizzeria (921 San Pedro Dr. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108). No sign up or RSVP is necessary for the Christmas in July Golf Clinics.
Anyone interested in applying to be a first responder in Albuquerque can do so now:
- Albuquerque Police Department: https://www.APDOnline.com
- Albuquerque Fire Rescue: www.cabq.gov/fire/become-a-firefighter
ABOUT TODD KERSTING
PGA professional golfer and coach Todd Kersting helps people, families, and communities around the world connect through golf. Learn more about Kersting at https://www.instagram.com/toddkersting.
Media Contact
Contact Person: Todd Kersting
Email: Send Email
Phone: 503-362-4148
City: ALBUQUERQUE
State: NEW MEXICO
Country: United States
Website: https://www.instagram.com/toddkersting
