Illinois PGA Foundation Announces $1 Million Capital Campaign in Recognition of 30th Anniversary

Feb 18, 2021

Funding to Provide Financial Base for Existing and Future Programming

 
 
GLENVIEW, Ill. – February 18, 2021 – In recognition of its 30th anniversary, the Illinois PGA Foundation has announced the kickoff of a $1 million capital campaign to raise funds that will create a financial base for existing and future programming. The campaign has already secured a number of donations and the Capital Campaign Committee, in conjunction with Foundation Board members, will work throughout the year to raise funds to achieve this goal.

“The Illinois PGA Foundation focuses on a number of programs that support youth including our GolfWorks Illinois internship and youth-based college scholarship programs. The Foundation also administers junior golf programs such as PGA Jr. League, Drive, Chip and Putt and the just-announced Illinois PGA Junior Tour,” said Tim O’Neal, president of the Illinois PGA Foundation. “This campaign will ensure the success of these programs and more to benefit future generations.”

In addition to raising funds to support its existing and future programming, the Illinois PGA Foundation is working with the Western Golf Association (WGA) to purchase the former WGA/Evans Scholars building in Golf, Illinois that will become the first-ever headquarters of both the Illinois PGA Foundation and Illinois PGA Section. Illinois PGA leadership has discussed securing its own building for many years, and this new step will allow the organizations to better serve the community and its PGA Professional membership. The Capital Campaign will also help support the operation and renovation of the new building.
 
“The Illinois PGA Foundation has a 30-year history of supporting junior golf programming, youth-based scholarships and golf business internships which have benefitted young people and their communities throughout the Illinois Section,” said Carrie Williams, Executive Director of the Illinois PGA Foundation and Illinois PGA Section. “And this year’s capital campaign will allow us to carry on this tradition of helping area youth as well as securing a new headquarters for both the Foundation and Section that will serve us well for many years to come.”

The Illinois PGA Foundation was founded in 1991 by Illinois PGA Professionals who are part of the Illinois PGA Section, one of the 41 regional Sections of the PGA of America. The Foundation serves as the charitable arm of the Illinois PGA and not only supports junior golf programming, scholarships and internships but also hosts the Birdies for Charity fundraising event. For Birdies, Illinois PGA Professionals secure pledges from friends, family, colleagues and club members and play up to 90 holes in one day to try and make as many birdies as possible. The event has raised more than $2 million in 10 years for several leading children’s charities throughout the Illinois PGA Section and Central Illinois PGA Chapter.

The Illinois PGA Foundation Capital Campaign committee members are:

  • Gary Binder, PGA
    • Governor, Illinois PGA Foundation
    • Executive Vice President, KemperSports
       
  • Louis Brown
    • Honorary Governor, Illinois PGA Foundation
    • Senior Vice President, Monroe-Street Group, Morgan Stanley
       
  • David Glod
    • Treasurer, Illinois PGA Foundation
    • President and Founder, Tour Edge
       
  • Chris Gumbach, PGA
    • Secretary, Illinois PGA Foundation
    • Head PGA Professional, River Forest Country Club
       
  • Hans Larson, PGA
    • Vice President, Illinois PGA Foundation
    • Head PGA Professional, Westmoreland Country Club
       
  • Tim O’Neal, PGA
    • President, Illinois PGA Foundation
    • PGA Life Member, North Shore Country Club  
       
  • Nick Papadakes, PGA
    • President, Illinois PGA Section
    • Head PGA Professional, Onwentsia Club
       
  • Don Pieper, PGA
    • Governor, Illinois PGA Foundation
    • General Manager/Director of Golf, Merit Club
       
  • Dan Watters, PGA
    • Partnership Chair, Illinois PGA Section
    • Head PGA Professional, Bob O’ Link Golf Club

 
For additional information or to donate, please visit www.ipga.com or contact Palmer Moody, Assistant Executive Director/Foundation and Communications, Illinois PGA Foundation/Section, at 847.729.4145 (direct) or pmoody@pgahq.com
 
About the Illinois PGA/Illinois PGA Foundation
The Illinois Section of the PGA of America is a professional organization serving the men and women golf professionals in northern and central Illinois who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf. The Illinois PGA is responsible for the administration of competitive golf tournaments, educational opportunities, support programs and growth of the game initiatives. With over 840 members and apprentices, the Illinois PGA is one of the 41 regional Sections that comprise the PGA of America. The Illinois PGA Foundation focuses its community efforts on promoting the goodwill and growth of the game with an emphasis on activities that benefit youth. Foundation initiatives include: GolfWorks Illinois, Youth-based Scholarship Funds and the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame. For more information about the Illinois PGA and the Illinois PGA Foundation, please visit www.www.ipga.com and join us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
 

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CONTACT:
Kevin Quinn
Illinois PGA Communications
708.336.1294 mobile
kbquinn@pgahq.com