How the Grinch gave back: C-M teen turns into ‘Golfing Grinch’
He’s a mean one, Mr. Grinch.
But a Canon-McMillan High School varsity golfer, clad in a Grinch costume, has turned the tables on Whoville’s lime-green antagonist whose heart was two sizes too small, and is raising funds for a children’s charity during the Christmas season.
Henry Manciu, 15, a sophomore, has become “The Golfing Grinch” for the holiday season.
Manciu, donning green fur, a Santa suit and hat, and carrying plastic golf clubs, has been booking house calls with local families where, upon arrival, he plays golf games and reads Dr. Seuss’s Christmas classic, “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.”
The money he raises is being donated to the Jack and Barbara Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.
“It’s been so fun. The best part is to hear the laughs from the kids and to see their smiles, and to know they’re happy makes me happy,” said Manciu. “I’m just really thankful for all the people who are supporting me, and knowing it’s going to a good cause.”
Manciu’s slots are filling up quickly: he still has visits available on Dec. 13, 20, 21, 22 and 23, with a suggested $50 donation.
The Golfing Grinch is the latest swing in Manciu’s year-long “Golf for Good with Henry”
campaign.
It all started last May when he earned the Impact Award – and a $1,000 grant – at the
TEN Memorial Junior Tournament at Laurel Valley Golf Club for his community service and
leadership.
Manciu directed the grant to the Nicklaus Foundation.
“I’m a big admirer of Jack Nicklaus and I’ve always looked up to him, not only because I believe he’s the greatest player ever to play the game, but because he and his family give so much back to the world,” said Manciu.
Manciu also has been impacted by the Nettles family, who started the TEN Memorial Invitational in 2020 in honor of Timothy E. Nettles, who served on the executive committee of the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association from 2011 to 2017.
“The tournament was awesome and I had a ton of fun, but the main message was not just about golf. The organizers were focused on how we, as young kids, can make an impact and that got me thinking about how I could help others,”said Manciu. “That’s what really matters, being able to help others.”
Since then, Manciu has given backyard chipping and putting lessons and living-room golf simulator sessions in exchange for donations, and hosted a garage sale of donated golf gear to benefit the foundation.
He has raised more than $8,000 so far this year.
The Golfing Grinch visits are his latest activity.
In addition to his charity venture, Manciu has served as a volunteer junior coach for the PGA Junior League and First Tee, has served as president of student government and founded his school’s chapter of the Young Investors Society.
Manciu’s Grinch visits have been welcome. He is accompanied by his 6-year-old sister, Charlotte, who helps him set up his golf games and turns the pages of the Grinch books since Manciu’s Grinch gloves make it hard to flip pages.
“Henry was wonderful,” said Brandy Sauter, a Peters Township resident who booked a recent Grinch visit for her 7-year-old daughter, Mackenzie. “Kenzie had a blast playing golf and listening to the story. She didn’t want him – or his sister – to leave.”
For Manciu, the opportunity to help children and to share his love for golf has been rewarding.
“I love golf. Golf brings me joy, and I love being around kids,” said Manciu. “Combining the two for a great cause feels like the perfect way to give back.”
The Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, founded in 2004, has donated more than $195 million to pediatric health care.
To schedule a Golfing Grinch visit, make a donation, or learn more, visit: https://www.leadershiplinks.org/henry.