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More than $135,000 was fundraised at the ºÚÁÏÉçÇø (ºÚÁÏÉçÇø) Foundation™s annual Golf Classic Sept. 16 at Stonewall Orchard Golf Club in Grayslake. These funds directly provide critical scholarships and grants to students in need, helping to ensure financial barriers don™t stand in the way of their education and future success.

"The Golf Classic plays a vital role in helping ºÚÁÏÉçÇø achieve its mission of promoting student success by providing high-quality, accessible learning opportunities," said Ali O™Brien, interim executive director of the ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Foundation and vice president of community and workforce partnerships. "Dozens of dedicated donors, including many of the county's leading corporate employers, came together and contributed selflessly for this critical cause. Every single dollar raised is directly supporting our students, making an immediate and lasting impact on their futures."

The event drew 150 golfers, scholarship recipients and ºÚÁÏÉçÇø supporters, including ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Board of Trustees members: Chair Torrie Newson, Vice Chair Paul Virgilio, Secretary Allena Barbato, William Griffin, Ed.D. and Amanda Howland. Additionally, ºÚÁÏÉçÇø President Lori Suddick, Ed.D., and Renee Young, ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Foundation board chair, welcomed golfers.

A special thank you to David Galla, chair of the ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Foundation Board Development Committee, who has been the driving force and leader behind this successful event.

"Everything we do is for the students," Galla said. "We dedicate our time and effort to creating opportunities for the young people of Lake County, helping them progress through their hard work and perseverance. Their determination fuels my passion."

Galla shared a touching story from the outing, recalling a moment with a student volunteer who learned he was on the Foundation Board. The student expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you for believing in me, for providing this opportunity to be challenged, to embrace education and to never stop learning. It helps me reach my goals, live my dreams, help others, and achieve success."

A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsors: We are incredibly grateful to our lead sponsors”R.J. Galla Company, Inc., Robbins-Schwartz, the Liam Connell Family and Legat Architects”whose generosity made this event a success.

The ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and its donors are dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible learning opportunities for students throughout Lake County. To make a contribution and support ºÚÁÏÉçÇø student success, please contact the ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Foundation Office at (847)-543-2091 or visit