First responders, including the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) and Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR), are critical to the Albuquerque community. PGA pro golfer Todd Kersting is celebrating his 50th anniversary of being a golfer by supporting the APD and AFR while honoring his late brother-in-law’s memory.

Each year since 1988, Kersting has organized the Christmas Eve Balloon Glow in Albuquerque. Luminaries are set up to honor the memory of those who have passed away. Instead of staying home alone after a loss, people can pay tribute to their loved ones and enjoy an uplifting community event. Last year’s event featured a heart-shaped luminary to honor Rosario Zito. Rosario was Kersting’s brother-in-law and the owner of Giovanni’s Pizzeria; he died in a tragic robbery-turned-shooting at the restaurant. Giovanni’s Pizzeria has been a local staple for three decades, and the community is still reeling from this tragedy. For this year’s Christmas Eve event, Kersting and his sister, Rosario’s widow, plan to fill the heart-shaped luminary with the names of future first responders and the names of people’s loved departed loved ones. 

Pictured: Heart luminary created by Dana Zito in memory of her late husband, Rosario, for Christmas Eve (credit: Jessica Baca, ABQ Journal)

On July 23 and July 30, 2024, at 7:00pm, at Puerto del Sol Golf Course (1800 Girard Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106), Kersting will be hosting a Christmas in July Golf Clinic just for current and future AFR and APD first responders. Prospective first responders from around the United States are invited to come see what the AFR and APD have to offer while enjoying a free golf clinic with Kersting to celebrate his 50th year in the sport and his ongoing support of local first responders. Loaner clubs will be provided; quantities are limited. Range balls will be available after the clinic for $5.

Pictured: Rosario and Dana Zito, showing off their favorite comfort food at their business and “home away from home”, Giovanni’s Pizzeria

As part of the clinic, Kersting will help his sister, Dana Zito, fill her heart luminary on Christmas Eve 2024 with the names of future first responders and lost loved ones.

“In the last 50 years, among my most enjoyable experiences has been coaching first responders,” said Kersting. “Now, I want to create a waiting list for our AFR and APD for years to come. We invite current and future APD and AFR cadets to explore the game of golf while enjoying the company of like-minded people, and this will give future recruits a firsthand look at the people who are here and see their potential ‘home away from home’.”

Pictured: PGA Pro Golfer and Coach Todd Kersting

Kersting adds that his sister has been very supportive since he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). “It will be one of the best Christmas gifts when we fill her empty heart luminary display this Christmas Eve,” said Kersting.

Kersting thanks his nephew, Chris Hawthorne, and all the firemen, paramedics, and crew at AFR for their dedication. AFR Station 11 was the first to arrive when Rosario was shot. Kersting also offers gratitude to the APD, including Officer M. Radosevich, who transported him for care during the pandemic, and Commander R. Del Greco, who has assisted during his MS recovery. “It’s going to feel good to send them more recruits down the road,” said Kersting.

Pictured: Kersting’s “home away from home”, Christmas Eve at Arroyo del Oso Golf Course

Future interested APD/AFR recruits ages 5-17 who plan to participate in the Christmas in July Golf Clinic can send a name for the luminary to TKGiovannisPizzaABQ@gmail.com.

Tributes to loved ones can be sent to TKGiovannisPizzaABQ@gmail.com or delivered in-person at Giovanni’s Pizzeria (921 San Pedro Dr. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108).

Future first responders can apply for open positions in Albuquerque now:

Albuquerque Fire Rescue: https://www.cabq.gov/Fire 

Albuquerque Police Department: https://www.apdonline.com

ABOUT TODD KERSTING

PGA professional golfer and coach Todd Kersting helps people, families, and communities around the world connect through golf.  Follow him 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