Kenneth Young Center to host golf outing

Golfers of all skill levels will gather together for the Kenneth Young Center 28th annual golf outing Thursday, Aug. 6, at the Bloomingdale Golf Club, 181 Glen Ellyn Road.

Attendees of the golf outing can enjoy a morning of golf, games, lunch, raffles and a silent auction. Funds raised for the event will benefit important mental health and senior services. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available.

Kenneth Young Center's mission is to help people feel good, do better and find solutions. The annual golf outing supports this mission by helping to raise the funds necessary to deliver an array of services to individuals living throughout Northwest suburban Chicago.

In the past two years, the organization has seen expansion in the areas of permanent supportive housing, community support services and the opening of a regional drop-in center in the new Mount Prospect location.

This growth has allowed KYC to help individuals outside of their normal service area. Services include, but are not limited to: Mentoring, therapy, employment training, case management, in-home support for seniors and educational workshops for caregivers.

Although KYC receives a large amount of its funding from the state it relies heavily on private donations from individuals and businesses. With recent concerns over possible budget cuts throughout the state of Illinois, Kenneth Young Center supporters are hoping to exceed the fundraising expectations for this year's event.

"With the state budget still in debate, KYC finds itself in the position of possibly not receiving the funding it so desperately needs. The only way to continue as the very best mental health service facility in the area is to solicit donations and to fundraise," said KYC board member Chris Prochno.

"The KYC golf outing offers businesses and individuals the opportunity to impact KYC in a positive way while enjoying a delightful morning of golf at a beautiful course followed by lunch. It's a win-win situation."

In addition to golfing, attendees can have fun playing hoop dreams, golf ball launcher and par three challenge. There will also be an opportunity to win cash prizes by entering a split the pot raffle. During the silent auction, attendees will be able to bid on a number of high quality items and packages. The KYC golf outing is designed for competitive golfers as well as individuals just looking to have some fun. There is also a luncheon only option suited for nongolfers and those who cannot attend the entire event.

When asked what she thought was the best part of the event, Melissa Ryzy, golf outing committee member, said, "My clients love the golf ball launcher. They look forward to it every year. I tell everyone that it's a relaxing day of fun and golfing in the suburbs and benefits a wonderful organization."

KYC's golf outing offers benefits to businesses large and small.

"Our outing is a unique, interactive platform for professionals to brand their business while having a face to face opportunity with potential clients. Further, they can feel good about supporting worthwhile community services and it is tax deductible," said Fran Geraci, Business and Corporate Relations coordinator at Kenneth Young Center.

Registration and continental breakfast begin at 6:15 a.m. with a 7:30 a.m. shotgun start. In addition to a morning of golf and contests, attendees will be able to savor a hearty barbecue style meal during the luncheon. All are encouraged to register for this event. Sponsorship and donation opportunities are still available.

For details, contact Fran Geraci at frang@kennethyoung.org or (847) 524-8800, ext. 103. You can also visit kennethyoung.donorpages.com/golfouting2013.

Kenneth Young Center (KYC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provider of community-based mental health and senior support services. For more than 40 years we have worked to help individuals in need build new beginnings to successfully face life's challenges. Our mission is to help people feel good, do better and find solutions. We do this by providing information and referrals, resource coordination, assessment, counseling, prevention, treatment, mentoring, in-home support, employment services and crisis intervention.

Our service area extends primarily throughout the Northwest suburbs with a heavy concentration in Elk Grove and Schaumburg townships. KYC attempts to serve all people regardless of income and insurance. They also have a wide variety of volunteer opportunities and a wonderful resale shop in Schaumburg.

For information, visit www.kennethyoung.org or call (847) 524-8800.

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