By Audrena Spence, 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.
What a picture-perfect day on the greens!
On Thursday, July 23, more than 160 members of our community gathered at Seven Bridges Golf Club in Woodridge for the 4th Annual Gift of Hope Community Foundation Charity Golf Outing. Golfers, volunteers, corporate leaders, healthcare partners, donor families, transplant recipients and advocates came together with a shared purpose: to save lives, celebrate compassionate service and inspire hope.
The day was filled with camaraderie and generosity. Through the incredible support of our participants, sponsors, donors and volunteers, this year’s outing was a tremendous success. Together, we raised more than $100,000 in support of the Gift of Hope Community Foundation and its mission to help save and enhance the lives of as many people as possible through organ and tissue donation.
Every swing, every putt and every connection made throughout the day helps power vital community education, outreach, donor registration, family support and donation awareness efforts across Illinois and northwest Indiana. The Foundation supports donor family care programs such as the Legacy Blanket Program, the Family Support Fellowship Program, respite care services for transplant recipients and their loved ones and research focused on improving access to transplantation and health equity.
Celebrating the Gift of Life
What makes this golf outing more than just a day on the links is the meaningful moments when we have the opportunity to recognize the donor families and transplant recipients whose lives reflect the profound impact of organ and tissue donation.
Together, they remind us why this mission matters and why the work of Gift of Hope continues to be so important. Several donor families donated baskets to our silent auction. Each unique basket told a story of the donor and featured items important in their lives.
As Gift of Hope President and CEO Dr. Harry Wilkins shared during the event, last year alone, 520 donors and their families said yes to organ donation, making possible more than 1,500 organs for lifesaving transplants, while more than 2,200 tissue donors helped others see, walk, heal, and return to everyday living. Yet thousands still remain on the transplant waiting list, reinforcing the importance of continued education, awareness, and donor registration.
Honoring Our 2026 Life Changer Award Recipients
A special highlight of the outing was the presentation of the 2026 Life Changer Awards, recognizing dedication, leadership and service that inspires others while advancing the mission of donation and transplantation.
Compassionate Service Award – Dan and Lisa Richardson and Family received the Life Changer Award for Compassionate Service. Following the loss of their son Dylan, who became an organ donor, the Richardson family has demonstrated extraordinary generosity and dedication to honoring the gift of life. Through their advocacy and support, they have helped raise awareness and provide comfort to donor families navigating their own donation journeys.
Outstanding Teams Award – Nationwide Organ Recovery Transport Alliance (NORA) received the Life Changer Award for Outstanding Teams for its exceptional collaboration, advocacy and commitment to strengthening donation awareness throughout our region. NORA’s around-the-clock transportation and logistical coordination play a vital role in helping make organ donation and transplantation possible.
Congratulations to both award recipients, whose compassion and service embody the spirit of hope at the heart of our mission.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
This event would not have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors and partners. Their commitment helps the Community Foundation continue supporting donor families, transplant recipients, community outreach efforts, and education about organ, eye and tissue donation.
Presenting Sponsor
- CompuMed
Media Partner
Sponsors
- Marsh McLennan Agency
- Organ Recovery Systems
- Global Transplant Solutions
- Solvita
- Northern Trust
- Blue Star Security, LLC
- United Negro College Fund
- Clark Hill PLC
- Christmas in the Wards
- Bridge to Life
- Cielo Talent
- NORA
- South Side Healthy Community Organization
- JAN-PRO of Northern Illinois
- Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network
- Keystone Perfusion
- Integrative Systems
- Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila
- G&R Services
- Midwest Mechanical
- Invita Health
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- PGA TOUR Superstore
- Eversight
Thank you for your partnership and unwavering commitment to bringing hope, healing, and second chances to individuals and families throughout our communities.
Thank You for Swinging Into Giving!
To our 140 golfers, dedicated volunteers, sponsors, donor families, transplant recipients, Gift of Hope and Community Foundation board members, staff, and supporters: thank you. Your passion, generosity, and dedication continue to fuel this lifesaving mission.
Together, we are creating a future where more lives are saved and enhanced through organ and tissue donation.
Stay tuned for our gallery of highlights from this year’s outing!