Celebrities support youth programs

The Illinois Conservation, Park and Recreation Foundation sponsored its first annual Celebrity Golf Classic on June 9 at the Park District of Highland Park.

The purpose of the event was to generate resources for park, recreation and conservation purposes throughout Illinois. Proceeds from the outing will be used to support youth athletic programs sponsored by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA).

The golf outing was also an enjoyable social event. Pictured from the left are Mike Schiller, Arthur Clesen; Kay Forest, IPRA executive director; Duane Cotte, Chicago Turf and Irrigation; Connie Skibbe, director, Park District of Highland Park, and former Black hawk Reggie Fleming. Schiller and Cotte presented a check for the Illinois Conservation, Park and Recreation Foundation.

Golfers enjoyed watching and playing with celebrities from the Sting, Blackhawks and Cubs.

Special features

This event was very successful. Each foursome had the opportunity to play with a celebrity. Celebrities included former and current Chicago Blackhawk. Cub and Sting players, and players from the United States Football League (USFL).

Lunch and drinks were donated by Arthur Clesen and Chicago Turf and Irrigation. All participants received a T-shirt, sleeve of balls, cart, lunch, dinner and beverages. Prizes were awarded for the most accurate drive, beat the pro, hole in one and other challenging contests.

Sponsors

In addition to the sponsors previously noted, prizes and hole sponsorships were provided by other companies and organizations. These were Associated Municipal Consultants; Moss Recreation/Musco Sales; Ralph Burke Associates; Group Sales, Unlimited; Paul Ruckley and Associates/ Miracle Recreation, and Revere Electric.

Others were Rowlands Equipment, Inc.; Hyatt Regency O'Hare; Peak Anti-Freeze; Chicago White Sox; Suburban Park and Recreation Association (SPRA); Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD), and Midwest Institute of Park Executives (MIPE).

Our thanks to all those who contributed to make this a fine, enjoyable event. We look forward to your continued support.

A special thanks to Reggie Fleming, Kevin Kendrigan and the staff of Highland Park for their ongoing dedication to the leisure movement in Illinois.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 6 September/October 1986