Golfing ‘Fore’ a Cause: Orchard Village's 33rd Annual Golf Classic

Orchard Village's 33rd Annual Golf Classic at Edgewood Valley Country Club brought together 72 golfers for a day on the greens to raise over $110,000 that directly benefits individuals with developmental disabilities. The event demonstrated the strong community commitment to empower the people Orchard Village serves.

Sunny weather conditions provided an ideal setting for golfers to enjoy the beautiful course while contributing to a worthy cause. The golfers’ participation directly supports programs that promote independence, life skills development, and community integration for Orchard Village program participants.

Among the dedicated volunteers was Shawn, a resident of Orchard Village who has secured a job at a local pizza restaurant through Orchard Village’s job training program. Shawn's enthusiastic participation in selling squares for the prize board has made him a beloved fixture at the annual outing. His involvement demonstrates the deep connections that develop within our community and showcases the confidence that Orchard Village programs help people with disabilities build.

Denise, an Orchard Village resident and day program participant, also volunteered at the golf outing. Denise competes in basketball and track & field for Orchard Village’s Special Olympics team and plays golf for fun, exemplifying how support and opportunities help the individuals we serve to reach their full potential. Her success illustrates the impact of our programming on participants' personal growth and self-confidence.

The funds raised will establish a new recreation and socialization fund that will provide participants like Shawn and Denise with opportunities to become more active in their communities, such as attending movies, playing miniature golf, and enjoying baseball games.

Through the generosity of the participating golfers, individuals served by Orchard Village will enhance their communication skills, gain confidence to navigate their neighborhoods, and experience more joy.

Thank you, Golf Classic sponsors:

Event Sponsors

Love, Tito’s

Sikich

Gillespie Ford

Lakeshore Financial Group

M&R Machine & Tool

BankFinancial

SaylzeVP

Christopher Financial Group LLC

Catherine Palin

Robert Thrush

Paris Presents

Catherine Brandell

Hole Sponsors

DeKind Computer Consultants

Shari Daw

Swag Bag Sponsors

Portillo’s

SC Johnson

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

Bobo’s

Trophy Sponsor

Mark and Yonhee Gordon

Paddle Drop Sponsor

Paul O’Connor

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Founded in 1972, Orchard Village is a charitable social services organization located in Skokie, Illinois. The agency empowers people with developmental disabilities to achieve fulfilling lives in their communities. It partners with families and communities to ensure that people with developmental disabilities have choices and a voice in their lives, and, that they receive support to reach their goals. Orchard Village services and programs support the housing, day program, employment, behavioral and mental health, and home-based needs of nearly 300 participants, who range in age from children to mature adults. For more information about Orchard Village and its services, visit www.orchardvillage.org