DES PLAINES, Ill., August 8, 2022—Illinois Bone & Joint Institute (IBJI), one of the largest independent, physician-owned orthopedic practices in the United States, announces that it has raised over $30,000 for the Northbrook-based Glenkirk organization through its IBJI CARES Foundation 3rd Annual Charity Golf Outing and Silent Auction Fundraiser. More than 110 golfers showed up to tee off at the 18-hole course at Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling on Saturday, July 23.
“Glenkirk is so grateful to be IBJI Cares Foundation’s 2022 Charity Partner,” Glenkirk CEO Kim Berenberg said. “The charity golf event was an incredible example of the important work IBJI Cares accomplishes in the community. Glenkirk was humbled to see so many volunteers and golfers come out in benefit of the individuals with developmental disabilities that we support.”
Attendees included IBJI physicians, medical support staff, physical and occupational therapists, patients, friends, and family members. A dozen volunteers helped to make the event a success.
(L-R): IBJI Hand & Upper Extremity Orthopedic Surgeon Peter Hoepfner, MD; IBJI Sports Medicine Physician Angelo Savino, MD; IBJI Director of Sports Medicine & Athletic Training Services Matt Repa; and IBJI Sports Neurologist Anthony Savino, MD.
During lunch, participants had an opportunity to bid on silent auction items including sports memorabilia, day clay shooting at the Northbrook Sports Club, and one-of-a-kind artwork created by Glenkirk residents.
Glenkirk empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities by providing residential and employment supports, respite care, medical care coordination, therapies, and more.
“Over the course of our partnership, IBJI Cares has provided funding for Glenkirk’s pandemic-related wellness and behavioral health initiatives, as well as the expansion of technology within our residential homes to provide access to telehealth, therapies, and a fitness program,” Berenberg said.
This year, the IBJI CARES Foundation’s support helped Glenkirk open a new group home in Northbrook to provide six individuals with disabilities opportunities to lead full lives in the community.
“Additionally, IBJI Cares funding has assisted Glenkirk in expanding our community employment program, which matches adults with disabilities with local businesses to create inclusive work opportunities,” Berenberg said. “These initiatives are only possible through the generosity of organizations such as IBJI CARES.”
The IBJI CARES Foundation Mission
(L-R): IBJI CARES Foundation Organizer Vanessa Yee, DPT; IBJI CEO Andre Blom; and IBJI Administrator Rose Nowacki.
Caring for the community is the mission of the IBJI CARES Foundation. From spring clean-up days to durable medical equipment drives benefiting Third World countries, the philanthropic arm of IBJI continues to come up with new initiatives to bring local and worldwide aid to others. The golf outing remains its biggest event of the year.
“It is always a huge undertaking and we couldn't be successful without the help of so many,” IBJI CARES Foundation Organizer Vanessa Yee, DPT, says. ‘We are so grateful for the generous support of our sponsors, and appreciate the golfers for coming out to golf on what always seems to be the hottest day of the summer! We look forward to many more successful events in the years to come!”
Results
Congratulations to the winners of our longest putt and drive competition. They are:
Longest Putt: Tim Mizdrak
Longest Drive Ladies: Aubrey Ekstrom
Longest Drive Men: Eric Palmblad
Applications will be opening for next year's charity partner in mid-September and will continue through October. A decision will be made by the end of the year, Yee said.
For more information, visit www.ibji.com/ibjicares.