Friends of MCC Foundation raise $105,000 for student scholarships at golf invitational

The 35th annual Friends of MCC Foundation Golf Invitational recently raised more than $105,000 for student scholarships and programs.

The event, held July 18 at Boulder Ridge Country Club, takes place annually to further the foundation's mission to provide financial support to MCC students, making education accessible and attainable through student scholarships.

"The funds raised at this event truly make a difference in the lives of so many," said Brian DiBona, executive director of the foundation. "We're so thankful for the support we receive each year from our sponsors and golfers. Because of their contributions, we're able to help even more students pursue their educational goals - regardless of their financial situation."

College president Dr. Clint Gabbard opened the event with some welcoming remarks, then scholarship recipient Yadira Placencia shared about the impact scholarships had on her as a first-generation Upward Bound student from Harvard.

The outing included breakfast, 18 holes of golf in a scramble format, a reception featuring a barbecue buffet dinner and drinks, prizes and auction items, and an awards presentation.

At the reception, MCC scholarship recipient Sarah Schuetzle also shared her story about the positive impact scholarships made in her life.

One hundred and twenty-one golfers participated in this year's event.

The winning foursome - comprised of Mike Klingenberg, John Wegener, John Blum, and James Moyna - came in 13 under par.

The Premiere Sponsor of the event was Robbins Schwartz. Also supporting the event were the following organizations: Demonica Kemper Architects as Reception Sponsor; Old National Bank as Breakfast Sponsor; Aptar Group, Home State Bank, Pepper Construction, and 365 Equipment and Supply as Player Gift Sponsors; Associated Electrical Contractors, CoilCraft, Crystal Lake Bank & Trust, HRGreen, the LeCoque Family Foundation, MLCV Investments, Stan's, Scot Forge, JA Frate Logistics Nationwide, and the Northwest Herald as Tournament Sponsors; TC Industries as Champions Hole Sponsor; Express Employment Solutions as Cart Sponsor; Diablo Controls, Inc., The Harvard State Bank, and Snap-On as Beverage Cart and Halfway House Sponsors; FNBO, Miller Verchota, Inc, and Pavement Solutions as Pin Flag and Hole Sponsors; AFC Materials Group and American Community Bank & Trust as Hole Sponsors; Alliance Contractors as Driving Range Sponsors; and Harvard Ford as Hole-in-One Sponsor. Many other local organizations donated auction items, food, or beverages.

Thanks to the generosity of their sponsors and donors, the Friends of MCC Foundation has recently been able to award more scholarships than ever. In the 2023 school year, the Foundation expects to award more than $700,000 in scholarships to over 600 students.

For more information on the event, call the Friends of MCC Foundation Office at (815) 479-7510 or visit www.mchenry.edu/supportmcc/golf.