The 39th Annual Friends of MCC Foundation Golf Invitational recently raised over $130,000 for student scholarships and programs. The event, held June 8 at Bull Valley Golf 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.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the sponsors, golfers, volunteers, and donors who make this event possible year after year,” said Brian DiBona, Executive Director of the Foundation. “Their support directly expands opportunities for MCC students by helping remove financial barriers and allowing them to focus on reaching their educational goals.”
The Foundation has budgeted to award over $1.2 million in scholarships in the coming fiscal year.
“The success of this event reflects our community’s belief in the power of education,” DiBona said. “Every dollar raised helps students complete their studies and build brighter futures for themselves and their families. We’re proud to partner with so many individuals and organizations who share that commitment.”
College president Dr. Clint Gabbard spoke at the evening reception and extended gratitude for the attendees’ ongoing commitment to helping students achieve their dreams. Scholarship recipient Max Weber then spoke about his educational journey and shared how scholarships have made a positive impact in his life.
The outing included lunch, 18 holes of golf in a scramble format, and a reception featuring prizes, auction items, and an awards presentation.
136 golfers participated in this year’s event. The winning foursome from Demonica Kemper Architects (DKA) was comprised of Josh Bunjan, Ethan Carpenter, Nick Sabol, and Brant Takmajian. They were awarded the Associated Electrical Contractor’s Champion’s Trophy at the reception to recognize their tournament win. With proceeds from the outing, a $1,000 DKA Invitational Champions Scholarship will also be established in the winning foursome’s name.
Other contest winners included Kate Staley and Nick Sabol for longest drive; Dan Payson, closest to the pin; Paul Koszarek, straightest drive; and Mary Miller and Kurt Smith, longest putt.
The Presenting Sponsor of the event was the Foglia Family Foundation. Also supporting the event were the following organizations: 365 Equipment and Supply, Pepper Construction, Demonica Kemper Architects, and Robbins Schwartz as Reception Sponsors; Old National Bank as Breakfast Sponsor; AptarGroup, Mike and Linda Klingenberg, and Miller Verchota, Inc. as Player Gift Sponsors; Associated Electrical Contractors, LLC as Champions Sponsor; Beth and Rudnicki Insurance Agency, Inc., Carey Electric Contractors, Inc., Home State Bank, and HRGreen as Tournament Sponsors; TC Industries as Cart Sponsor; Insight Financial Partners, LLC, and the LeCoque Family Foundation as Pin Flag and Hole Sponsors; Snap-on as Beverage Cart Sponsor; American Community Bank & Trust, AptarGroup Charitable Foundation, Baxter & Woodman, Eccezion, Express Employment Professionals, the Ruth Family Foundation, Sikich, and Woodstock Sterile Solutions as Hole Sponsors; Harvard Ford as Hole-in-One Sponsor; 20/10 Engineering Group as Driving Range and Putting Green Sponsor; Stryker as Golf Invitational Sponsor; Ice Cream Sponsor in memory of Don Witty and Kathy Shelton; and Sponsored Foursomes by Chicago Title, Prairie Community Bank, Scot Forge, The Community Foundation for McHenry County, Weiler Engineering, Inc., and William Blair & Company. Many other local organizations generously 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 before. In Fiscal Year 2026 (ending June 30), the Foundation will have awarded more than $960,000 in scholarships to over 1,100 students.
The Friends of MCC Foundation invites the community to save the date for its milestone 40th Annual Golf Invitational, scheduled for Monday, June 14, 2027, at Crystal Lake Country Club.
Find more information on the event here, or call the Friends of MCC Foundation Office at (815) 479-7803.
