Chicago Golfers Take Swing to End Poverty

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, JULY 22, 2011. Today, 88 golfers took a swing at ending global poverty by raising over $83,000 in the fifth annual Chicago Partnership Golf tournament at the Ruffled Feathers Golf Club in Lemont, Illinois.

PartnershipsInAction Golf is an initiative of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. (AKF USA) to raise awareness and funds that reduce poverty, hunger, illiteracy and poor health in Africa and Asia. One hundred percent of all donations and net proceeds from the tournament go directly to projects supported by AKF USA; not a cent is spent on administration.

Although the day began stormy, the luncheon brought together 140 corporate executives, civic and business leaders and media personalities to network and learn more about AKF USA's work. Distinguished guests included Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State; Robert (Bobby) Shilling, U.S. Representative, Illinois; Ron Sutter, Circuit Court Judge, DuPage County; and Alvin Bel, CEO of Big Pawn, Inc. Gaynor Hall, WGN-TV Reporter and CLTV Weekend Anchor, served as emcee for the luncheon program, and Joanne Trotter, Director of Programs for AKF USA was guest speaker.

Ms. Trotter described several stirring examples of how donations from events like Partnership Golf are “not about giving handouts to the poor, but rather are providing the economic opportunities for those less fortunate to help themselves and their communities.” Explaining how simple interventions can change lives, she noted an example: “Working with farmers to experiment with new seed varieties and introduce winter wheat in northern Afghanistan cut the hungry season from 4 to 0 months, and families now have enough to eat all year round. Thank you for all you do on behalf of so many; tens of thousands benefit from your contributions all over the world.”

Read the entire press release here.