The Related Midwest & Lend Lease Charity Golf Classic raised $300,000 for children’s charities this year.
Related Midwest and Lend Lease raised more than $300,000 at their annual charity golf classic on Thursday, Sept. 18, which will go directly to two children’s charities.
This was the 10th annual charity golf classic, which takes place each year at Harborside International Golf Course, and has raised more than $1.8 million for various children’s charities since its inaugural year.
This year’s beneficiaries are SOS Children’s Villages, Illinois, which provides an alternative to traditional foster care, and The Children’s Heart Foundation, which funds research to advance the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of congenital heart defects.
“When I think back to our first outing 10 years ago, it’s extremely gratifying to see how much the event has grown and how much passion our participants continue to show for supporting great organizations like SOS Children’s Villages and The Children’s Heart Foundation,” said Don Biernacki, senior vice president of construction for Related Midwest. “Year after year, the amount we’ve raised for our charitable partners has grown, and we’re thrilled that this year’s total is the highest yet – more than a $60,000 increase from last year.”
Charity Golf Classic Draws More Than 300 Participants
Following the golf tournament was a dinner and silent/live auction. Popular items included a golf package at TaylorMade’s research and manufacturing facility in California, a hockey stick signed by the Chicago Blackhawks and a week’s stay at a private home in Napa Valley.
The event drew more than 300 participants, including contractors and developers, as well as architects, banks and lenders, mortgage companies, attorneys and others.
“Our industry is extremely generous, and that’s something we’ve experienced each year we’ve hosted this event, even during tough economic times,” said Jeff Arfsten, COO, project management and construction for Lend Lease. “In fact, we have a group of very loyal participants who’ve supported this event since the very first year. From the sponsors to the golfers to those who come out just to join us for dinner, we’re extremely grateful for the continued goodwill of those who make this outing such a success.”