Golf outing supports Cosley Zoo

When golfers tee off at Arrowhead Golf Club, they know they're playing at an award-winning course. Their tee shots also will support the nationally accredited Cosley Zoo in Wheaton at the 33rd annual Mike Williams Cosley Classic Golf Outing.

Named for a longtime board president of the zoo's fundraising foundation, the outing gives golfers a day of 18 holes on Arrowhead's lush course, plus lunch, steak dinner, on-course drinks, gimmick holes, raffle, animal interactions, and silent auction. The outing is 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1, at the golf club, 26W151 Butterfield Road, Wheaton.

T.J. Hicks, the foundation's development director, said he wants to return to the event's roots.

"We're keeping a few questions in mind as we plan it," he said. "'What if you didn't know anything about the zoo? Would you come away from this wanting to visit?' More than ever before, we want to have fun while helping our participants get further involved with the zoo."

Each golfer will receive a Cosley Zoo logo blanket and the opportunity to meet some of the zoo's "animal ambassadors" that potentially include a great horned owl, Eastern blue-tongued skink, and walking stick.

Golfers also have a chance to win $5,000 if they sink a hole-in-one on a specified hole and to bid on silent auction items and experiences such as Chicago theater packages, fine dining options and pro golf equipment, Hicks said.

Proceeds benefit the Cosley Foundation, which has helped bring capital improvements and annual events to the zoo for decades. The zoo's 60,000-gallon duck pond, animal clinic, Vern Kiebler Learning Center, amphitheater, bobcat exhibit, Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals 5K/10K, Pumpkin Fest, Festival of Lights and Christmas tree sales, and more are all the foundation's handiwork.

Hicks is thankful for the foundation board's help and Arrowhead's hosting of the event.

"To be out on this course and for our zoo foundation to be able to put on a fundraiser at a facility like Arrowhead Golf Club is really special," he said. "We're lucky to have it."

Guests don't need to be veteran golfers to play, either.

"Whether you shoot 70 or 170, we know you'll have a fun time with your friends and a great day on the course while learning more about this hidden gem in our community," Hicks said. "It's a great way to show appreciation for clients, customers and staff."

Individual golfer registration for this all-inclusive event is $175 and foursomes are $700. Tickets for dinner are $50. A special package, including two hole sponsorships and registration for four, is $1,100. Golfers unable to attend can donate individually at cosleyzoo.org.

For information or to register, visit cosleyzoo.org/events.