North Shore Golfers Tee Off For A Cause At 32nd Annual Orchard Village Classic

WILMETTE, IL — Golfers on the North Shore are set to support a good cause next week in Wilmette, as Orchard Village gears up for its 32nd Annual Golf Classic.

A pair of 18-hole golf tournaments, one for teams of two and one for teams of four, begin at noon Monday at Westmoreland Country Club, 2601 Old Glenview Road.

The annual golf outing raises vital funds for Orchard Village's mission to empower people with developmental disabilities, providing vocational, educational, recreational and residential support.

“The Orchard Village Golf Classic helps to pay for those services and items not covered by other sources, with a particular focus on our recreational therapy program," said Susan Kaufman, president and CEO of the 50-year-old nonprofit.

Orchard Village, 7660 Gross Point Road, partners with families to give everyone a voice in their destiny, offering comprehensive support to nearly 300 people every year.

That includes residential support for 65 people in 10 homes with 24-hour assistance, plus intermittent support for 28 individuals living independently.

Additionally, the nonprofit's vocational programs help 70 clients learn valuable skills to acquire and maintain jobs, and its day programs provide essential services to another 30 participants.

With more than 70 players expected to participate, Monday's golfing event is one of the largest fundraisers on the organization's calendar.

"We are looking forward to a fun day of golf while also supporting our mission of empowering individuals with disabilities to live the lives of their choosing,” Kaufman said.

The rain-or-shine event will offer two options: a traditional four-person scramble with no handicap required, as well as a two-person, one-best ball format that requires a handicap index card.

Registration for the golfing event is $650 per person or $2,600 per foursome.

Participants will be provided with a bag concierge, lunch, dinner, golf cart access, personal lockers, prizes and a swag bag. The day will conclude with refreshments, dinner and a live auction.

There will also be a 50/50 raffle, where participants have the chance to win big while supporting a great cause. Tickets for the raffle can be purchased for $25, or buy a bundle of three tickets for $60.