Golfers rally at St. Coletta’s 35th Annual Kennedy Invitational, raising $150,000 for life-changing care

St. Coletta's of Illinois Foundation proudly hosted its 35th Annual Kennedy Golf Invitational, where over 100 golfers came together to support the organization’s mission. The event raised an impressive $150,000, which will go directly towards enhancing the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The highlight of the event was a heartfelt speech by St. Coletta's CEO, Heather Benedick, who shared a moving story about how the generosity of donors helped bring a beloved resident home.

Benedick recounted the story of a 48-year-old client who had developed swelling in his spinal cord and, after undergoing surgery, became a partial quadriplegic. His doctor recommended placing him in a skilled nursing facility, which would have uprooted him from the only home he had known since childhood.

Thanks to the funds raised by events like the Kennedy Golf Invitational, St. Coletta's was able to commit over $40,000 to renovate its ICF home and bathroom, installing mechanical lifts and a hospital bed to meet the man's special needs.

“We committed to bringing someone home,” Benedick said, “just as we would do for our family.”

The success of this year's invitational is a testament to the dedication and generosity of the community. Every dollar raised will help ensure that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive the care, support, and opportunities they deserve.

“Your generosity provides critical services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Kennedy Invitational Committee Chair Bill Rybak told participants as they gathered for lunch before the shotgun start at 1 p.m.

Each participant paid $600 to play a round of golf at the private club and to learn a little more about St. Coletta’s.

St. Coletta's of Illinois Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to all the participants, sponsors, and volunteers who made this event possible. Your support is invaluable in helping us continue our mission.

Among those supporting the organization’s mission by participating in this year’s Kennedy Golf Invitational were two dozen area businesses, including Kowalis Auto Group, Dealer FI Services, CIBC Bank, Town Center Bank and Invesco.

Other sponsors included: Alera Group, Old Plank Trail Community Bank, CNB Bank & Trust, Cherry Bekaert, State Street, Fox Valley Fire & Safety, Lexus of Orland, Orland Toyota, Jones & Cleary, CBIS, Bill and Jane Rybak, Ruth Longman, Ed and Mary Ann Wood, Ray and Nancy Vahl, the Tom McMaster Family, Beary Landscaping, First Nonprofit, Mars Medical, Aleck Plumbing, Olsson Roofing, Mrs. B Parking Lot Maintenance, Apple Chevrolet and PDM Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.