Golfing for Good

The golf tournament began in 2001 to honor the legacy of passionate AYF champion Donald Danforth Jr. Though the pandemic forced its cancelation in 2020, the AYF and presenting sponsor Nestlé Purina PetCare Co. were pleased to welcome golfers back for the 19th time at a new location, Algonquin Golf Club. The golf tournament is the AYF’s signature fundraiser, raising more than $1.5 million for youth to experience exceptional programming at Miniwanca and Merrowvista since its inception. The funds generated through the tournament provide financial assistance to inspire dozens of youth each year to discover their best selves. Advancement Manager Annie Oliverio said the donors’ generosity was greatly appreciated. “The funds raised at this event open the doors to so many new opportunities for youth across the country who will be able to discover their best selves through programs at Miniwanca and Merrowvista, the National Leadership Conference, and our Community and School Programs,” she said. Senior Director of Advancement Liz Marshall said it was wonderful to connect with so many supporters in person while also maintaining safe COVID-19 protocols at the open-air event. “Many of the golfers and volunteers are lifelong Founder Friends who look forward to this tournament each year,” Marshall said. “It was such a pleasure to catch up with so many familiar faces and thank them personally for contributing to our mission.” After a day on the links, golfers returned to Algonquin’s patio for drinks and hors d’oeuvres. KMOX sports director Tom Ackerman emceed the evening’s program, setting – and quickly surpassing – a $20,000 fund-a-need goal. Participants also heard from new AYF board chair DD DanforthBurlin and President Anna Kay Vorsteg, who ceded the microphone to 16-year-old Miniwanca camper Jack Kuhlman. Clad in his recently earned rugby, Kuhlman spoke to the attendees about how the AYF has affected his life and shared an evening reflection he originally penned during his Wayfinder experience at Miniwanca this summer.

Kuhlman said Wayfinder taught him that to be his best self is to be his authentic self. “Opening myself up allowed me to make some amazing friends and form deeper bonds than I would have been able to if I had tried to be someone else,” he said. “On Wayfinder, I have had the opportunity to explore who that self really is while having a spectacular time along the way.” Kuhlman said his rugby was a constant reminder to dare to be better each day. “I can push through any challenge, be a leader and endure anything while having a good time,” he said. “The values that are instilled through camp don’t just dissipate after those few weeks. Looking back at the time between camp and now, I see myself taking on new challenges with a newfound confidence.” Kuhlman ended his remarks with a dare for the assembled guests: “I dare all of you to do something kind for a stranger. Give them a compliment, pick something up for them, or even just give them a smile to brighten their day – anything that will help spread that camp spirit just a little further.” Vorsteg said she loved that Kuhlman challenged everyone to be their own best selves. “Jack’s speech was such a powerful example of the effect AYF programs have on youth – and the effect youth can have on us,” Vorsteg said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

The AYF hopes to return the Donald Danforth Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament to its original month of May in 2022.