Celebrating Hope on the Green

August 4, 2025

By Audrena Spence, BSW, MSW

Audrena has served as the Executive Director for the Gift of Hope Community Foundation (Community Foundation) and member of the Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network (Gift of Hope) executive team since 2022. She provides organizational leadership and operational management of philanthropy strategies, initiatives and projects for grants, major gift campaigns, fund development and partnerships that serve to increase contributions to the Community Foundation, the philanthropic and fundraising arm of Gift of Hope.

Under sunny skies and a shared spirit of compassion, more than 140 golfers and supporters came together on Thursday, July 24, 2025 for the 3rd Annual Gift of Hope Community Foundation Charity Golf Outing.

The energy on the course was electric, and the impact was undeniable. Through sponsorships, donations, the silent auction and a “Beat the Pro” opportunity, thousands were raised to fund vital programs led by the Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network such as community education efforts and donor family support.

During the post-round celebration, we had the honor of recognizing individuals and teams who exemplify the heart of our mission:

Alderman Michelle Harris (8th Ward, City of Chicago) received the Life Changer Award for Compassionate Service, recognizing her tireless advocacy and dedication to her community.
Frank Vosicky, President and Founder of Aero Removals & Trisons Crematory Services, and his outstanding team were honored with the Life Changer Award for Outstanding Teams for their continued support of donor families.
Jamie J. Nieto, PGA professional and tissue transplant recipient, moved the crowd with his powerful story of hope and healing before accepting the Life Changer Award for Passionate People.

This event would not have been successful without the leadership of our chair Derrick Taylor, President of the Black McDonald’s Operators Association of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. We’re also incredibly grateful to our sponsors, Team Hope staff, donor families, volunteers, and Ambassadors. Your commitment fuels everything we do and we are thankful for your support.

The golf outing may be over, but the momentum continues. We invite you to join us for our next event: the Annual 5K Run, Walk & Roll on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn. This is another great opportunity to show your support and help us honor the gift of life.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2025 COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GOLF OUTING PARTNERS

Presenting Sponsor – Black McDonald’s Operators Association of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana

Reception Awards Sponsor – Titan Electric

Lunch Sponsor – Organ Recovery Systems

Golf Cart Sponsor – Marsh McLennan

Beverage Cart Sponsor – Northern Trust

Golf Ball Launcher – Blue Star Security, LLC

Contest Sponsors – Nationwide Organ Recovery Transport Alliance (NORA), United Negro College Fund

Hole-in-One Sponsors – Bridge to Life, CompuMed, PGA TOUR Superstore

Premium Hole Sponsors – AllTech Tracking, South Side Healthy Community Organization, Clark Hill

Putting Green – Solvita, Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Hole Sponsors –