Sir Ernest Shackleton Invitational Golf Outing benefits Downers Grove FISH

Sir Ernest Shackleton Invitational?

You have probably heard of the Masters' Tournament, The PGA, The U.S. Open and many other great golf tournaments. But have you ever heard of the "Annual Occasional Sir Ernest Shackleton Invitational"? Probably not unless you know Rory Smith and his brother-in-law, Jim Dierker. Jim and his family, who live in San Diego, would often visit Rory and his family in Downers Grove at Christmastime.

After a few days of family time and the Polar Vortex, Jim and Rory would get cabin fever and decide to play a round of golf at Cog Hill Golf Club which is open 365 days a year. As they trudged though the snow, they talked about the great Irish polar explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose boat got stuck in the Artic ice. Despite all odds, he never lost a crew member. In the next few years they found about 10 more polar golfers and added a charity component to it. A few years ago, they abandoned the snow covered fairways for the green grass of summer golf at the Downers Grove Golf Club and their numbers grew to about 60.

Now in its 15th year, the Shackleton chose Downers Grove Area FISH this year as the beneficiary charity of the event.

Rory and Jim said they were delighted to work with FISH which is a local, totally volunteer organization, now celebrating 50 years of service.

Golfers donated a truckload of food. Donations and a silent auction raised $2,500 for FISH.

In addition to the food pantry, FISH also has a clothes closet, provides emergency financial aid for rent, utilities and car repairs, and volunteer drivers annually provide more than 400 rides to medical and other appointments to those who have no transportation.

Rory wants to thank all those who made the event a success, especially wife, Mary, Ken McCormack PGA golf pro, Woodbridge, Kim Crawford and Meiomi wines, Home Chef, Chicago Bulls, Break Thru Beverages, Three Corners Grill and Tap, Ace Hardware on 63rd, Harco Premiums, Lost Mountain Golf and Goose Island Beer.

Ruth Anderson, pantry coordinator of FISH, said the donations of food and money will be put to good use for all the programs of the Downers Grove Area FISH.

The food pantry serves Lisle, Downers Grove and Westmont. In addition, all other services are available to residents of Woodridge and Darien She also welcomes volunteers of all ages, especially in the summer when many of the volunteers are on vacation.

Volunteer information can be found at www.downersgrovefish.org or www.facebook.com/Downersgrovefish/.