Golf Open raises money for scholarships

More than 115 area golfers gathered earlier this month for some friendly competition - and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless students.

After all the drives, putts and mulligans were tallied, the Harper College Educational Foundation's 26th Annual Golf Open had raised $88,000 for scholarships and programming.

"We're incredibly grateful for the support we receive from our community through events such as this," said Mary Knight, Executive Director of the Harper College Educational Foundation. "Our Golf Open is a wonderful opportunity to come together for the purpose of championing our students."

The outing, which included 18 holes of golf, brunch, a cocktail reception, buffet dinner and awards presentation, took place June 9 at the Inverness Golf Club.

Tim Tyrrell, a former NFL player and current Director of Market Development for Pirch Kitchen and Bath Fixtures, served as the evening's special guest speaker. His seven-year career in the NFL got its start in 1980, when Tyrrell walked onto the Harper College football team and not long after, became star quarterback. He was among Harper's 2013 class of Distinguished Alumni.

The Open also featured a raffle and live auction, with prizes including food and golf packages, a penthouse suite to a Bulls or Blackhawks game and a five-day getaway to Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Proceeds will benefit Harper's Resource for Excellence Fund, which aids the College with programming, scholarships and other support where it's most needed, amid decreased state funding.

Educational Foundation board member Jay Fritz, Managing Director at Cornerstone National Bank, chaired the Golf Open planning committee. For more information about the Foundation, call 847.925.6490 or visit harpercollege.edu/foundation.