Event at Chicago Cultural Center raises record funds for Evans Scholarships
Click here to view a gallery of photos from the Birdie Ball.
GOLF, IL – The Evans Scholars Foundation’s Leadership Council celebrated seven years of helping send caddies to college with the sixth annual Birdie Ball at the Chicago Cultural Center in Chicago on Saturday, March 9.
More than 350 people attended the event, which is hosted annually by the Leadership Council as part of its efforts to raise awareness of, and funds for, the Evans Scholars Foundation. The Leadership Council was established in 2013 as a board of young professionals who serve as ambassadors for the Evans Scholars Program through fundraising and Scholar mentoring.
This year's Birdie Ball netted a record $57,000 for the Evans Scholars Foundation. The night featured live entertainment by The Walk-ins, a silent auction and a video about Northwestern University Evans Scholar Alum Jack Jordan and his journey to earning the life-changing Evans Scholarship.
A short program included comments from Leadership Council President Alan Devey (Marq. ’11) and Evans Scholars Foundation Director of Development Matt Starr. Attendees also got to hear about the experiences of current Northwestern University Evans Scholars Kenny Hill, Imad Longi and Erika Rodriguez.
Among the Leadership Council’s many achievements is the development of a mentorship program to keep Evans Scholars and young Alumni engaged with one another and with the Evans Scholars Foundation.
“The Leadership Council is making a difference as our next generation of leaders for our Program,” Starr said. “Thanks to their efforts, they are eager to help our young Scholars as they move from caddie to college to career.”
Event sponsors included RCP Advisors at the “Caddie Manager” level; Chicago Trading Company at the “Honor Caddie” level; The Garrison Family, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, Kirkland & Ellis, PwC, RedRidge Diligence Services, Republic Bank and Strive Colnsulting at the “A Caddie” level; CBIZ, Inc., Crowe, FV&FMV Valuation, KPMG, Levenfeld Pearlstein LLC, Lockton, Mercer, The Siffermann Family and Wintrust Commercial Banking at the “B Caddie” level.
“We are pleased with the success and energy of Birdie Ball every year,” said Kyle Cash, Leadership Council member, Evans Scholar Alum and Birdie Ball Chair for the past two years. “We are grateful for the generous support we’ve received and the continued growth of this wonderful event.”
About the Leadership Council
The Leadership Council was formed in 2013 with a goal of bringing together a diverse, young group of emerging business and civic leaders for networking and professional development opportunities. Members, who are between the ages of 25-40 and mostly live in the Chicago area, serve as ambassadors for the Evans Scholars Foundation through fundraising and Scholar mentoring.
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