The 4th Annual Birdies for Charity fundraiser took place on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 at River Forest Country Club in Elmhurst, Ill. Thirty-three Illinois PGA Professionals participated in the annual fundraiser that requires Professionals to secure donations for each birdie made during the 72-hole marathon in one day. The beneficiaries of the 4th Annual Birdies for Charity were Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and the Illinois PGA Foundation.
This year’s fundraiser was a tremendous success, surpassing the record-setting year of 2013. In total, the Illinois PGA Professionals raised $196,939 after making 487 birdies and seven eagles. The top Professionals making birdies over the 72 holes were: Frank Hohenadel, Midlothian C.C. (28 birdies), Steve Orrick, C.C. of Decatur (23 birdies and one eagle), and John Platt, Mistwood G.C. (23). The top fundraisers were: Nick Papadakes, Old Elm Club (est. $32,000), Andy Shuman, Twin Orchard C.C. (est. $26,000) and host Professional Chris Gumbach (est. $18,000).
Thanks to all the Illinois PGA Professionals who took the time to raises funds and awareness for such outstanding organizations. Those Professionals were: Scott Baines, Eric Barnes, Casey Brozek, Frank Bruno, Brian Carroll, Katie Dick, Rich Dukelow, Austin Gaugert, Chris Green, Chris Gumbach, Eric Hoff, Frank Hohenadel, Mike Holub, Chad Johansen, Travis Johns, Mark Labiak, Hans Larson, Curtis Malm, Alex Mendez, Jim Miller, Steve Orrick, Brett Packee, David Paeglow, Jeff Pajula, Nick Papadakes, John Platt, Kevin Rafferty, Terry Russell, Bill Sakas, Andy Shuman, Matthew Swan, Visanu Tongwarin, and Noel Zimmerman.