(CHICAGO, IL) – Forest Preserve Foundation raised more than $100,000 for children’s programming in Cook County’s Forest Preserves during the inaugural Conservation Cup Golf Outing co-sponsored by Billy Casper Golf on Thursday, September 13 at George Dunne National Golf Course in Oak Forest, IL.
The sold-out event raised funds to expand educational and outdoor adventure activities for children in the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, the first and largest forest preserve system in the U.S.
Participants had the chance to meet legendary golfer Billy Casper who delivered opening remarks, hit the ceremonial first tee shot, offered tips to golfers, signed autographs and took photos.
“We’re ecstatic to raise so much money for the Forest Preserves during this inaugural event,” said Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “We are committed to enabling at least 2,000 more children to experience the natural treasure in their backyard and this tournament made it possible to realize this goal.”
“It’s wonderful to be part of an outing like this,” says Casper, a member of the PGA and World Golf Hall of Fame. The Masters and two-time U.S. Open champion has 51 PGA TOUR victories and is a four-time champion of the Western Open in Chicago. “An initiative that helps young people experience nature first-hand deserves our support.”
For information about Forest Preserve Foundation: www.forestpreservefoundation.org.
About George Dunne National Golf Course
Located in southwest suburban Oak Forest, IL, George W. Dunne National is one of ten public golf courses owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. It is a critically-acclaimed 18-hole, par-72, 7,262-yard golf course. The layout presents unique features of bent grass fairways and greens with experienced golfers and novices alike enjoying challenging terrain. Recognized as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International, the eight lakes which come into play on 11 holes, tree-lined fairways and an abundance of wildlife enhance golfers’ experiences. For more information about George W. Dunne: www.forestpreservegolf.com, 708.429.6886.
About the Forest Preserve Foundation
The Forest Preserve Foundation is an independent not-for-profit organization that supports the mission, programs and initiatives of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County to fully restore and protect native habitats and to connect all residents of Cook County, especially the children, to our wonderful natural surroundings. For more information about the Foundation: www.forestpreservefoundation.org, 312.256.3303.
About Billy Casper Golf
BCG is the largest domestic owner-operator of golf course, country clubs and resorts, with more than 130 properties under its turnkey management. The company helps public-agency and private owners, developers and investors realize favorable returns on investments. Founded more than 20 years ago in cooperation with golf legend Billy Casper and headquartered in Vienna, VA, regional offices are strategically convenient to courses’ locales.
A division of BCG, Buffalo Communications is the leading global golf-lifestyle public relations, branding, marketing-communications, graphics and strategic services firm. Client-partners include the LPGA, PGA National Resort & Spa, Sea Pines Resort, Ballybunion Golf Club (Ireland), Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday, Sun Valley Resort and Mission Hills Resort (China), Fila Golf, ECCO and Club Glove.
For more information: www.billycaspergolf.com, www.buffalocommunications.com, 703.761.1444.
About Forest Preserve District of Cook County
Established in 1914, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County is the oldest and largest forest preserve system in the nation, maintaining more than 68,000 acres of open land for the education, pleasure and recreation of the public. The District strives to protect and restore the county’s diverse ecosystems, so all our unique native plants and animals can live and thrive. Each year, more than 40 million people use these lands and facilities to enjoy or study nature, bicycle, hike, fish, cross-country ski, picnic, golf, canoe, or simply relax in a large preserve that leaves urban life behind. For more information on the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, visit www.fpdcc.com.
Contact:
Nancy Meyerson
Forest Preserve Foundation
312.719.4238
nancy@meyersoncommunications.com
Nick Lashinsky
Billy Casper Golf / Buffalo Communications
703.891.3324
nlashinsky@billycaspergolf.com
