Elgin Public House to host annual golf outing for Food for Greater Elgin

The Elgin Public House will host its fifth annual charity golf outing, "Fore the Pantry Classic," to benefit Food for Greater Elgin on Monday, July 31, at the Highlands Golf Course in Elgin.

Food for Greater Elgin, a regional client-choice food pantry, provides food assistance to more than 1,200 households per month, equating to almost 6,000 individuals, half of whom are children. Its innovative model allows families to shop with grocery carts in a large warehouse, choosing food items rather than receiving prebagged groceries.

"When we started this outing five years ago as way to give back to the community that so generously supports us, we had no idea how successful it would become," says Elgin Public House owner and event founder Greg Shannon. "People know that they're going to have a great time and have the chance to meet a significant need in our community."

The "Fore the Pantry Classic" will begin with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. at The Highlands.

The day will include 18 holes of golf, lunch, hole contests, lunch from the Grill, a raffle followed by dinner, prizes and a program at the Grumpy Goat restaurant. People can purchase tickets for $100 per golfer by calling (847) 931-9330, ext. 304, visiting Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago St., or going online to www.foodforgreaterelgin.org.

"The Fore the Pantry Classic has raised both awareness and vital financial support, helping us feed nearly 2,300 families," says Joann Hartmann, Food for Greater Elgin's interim executive director. "We are tremendously grateful to Greg, the Elgin Public House team, the golfers, volunteers and sponsors for their generosity and commitment to fighting hunger."

Anyone interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact Rebecca Mace, Food for Greater Elgin director of development, at (847) 931-9330, ext. 304 or rmace@foodforgreaterelgin.org.