The spotlight shone brightly on July 13, 2026, as the Pope Leo XIV American Legacy Foundation took its place among the honored contributors at the annual Catholic Charities Golf Classic — one of the Chicago area’s most beloved charitable sporting events.
Four proud golfers gathered on the sun-drenched fairway, holding aloft the official Pope Leo XIV American Legacy Foundation sign beneath a clear blue Illinois sky. Their smiles captured what this event is truly about: community, generosity, and a shared commitment to honoring the remarkable American legacy of Pope Leo XIV.
Who Sponsored the 2026 Catholic Charities Golf Classic?
The 2026 Catholic Charities Golf Classic brought together an exceptional roster of Gold and Silver sponsors whose generosity made the event possible. Gold Sponsors included Loretta and Bob Cooney, Bonita and Paul Friedland, and Kristina and Don Pierce — community pillars whose investment directly supports the foundation’s mission.
A remarkable lineup of Silver Sponsors further demonstrated the breadth of support surrounding this year’s event:
- David and Suzanne Augustyn / KPMG
- Dolan McEniry
- Fifth Third Bank
- Gallagher Insurance, Risk Management & Consulting
- Mary and Mark Hoppe
- Christy and Steve King
- Midge and John Nelson
- Remedy
- Spotless Facility Group
- Karen and John Bender
- Erwin Gniewek Charity Trust
- Ann and Timothy Finnegan
- Tracy and David Gau
- John Burns
- L. Marshall Roofing & Sheet Metal
- Suzie Otterbeck
- Kelly and Jason Shoup
- Sunset Foods
- Chrissy and Matthew Davis
- Fidelitone
- Flood Brothers
- Helen Brach Foundation with John & Evelyn Sheridan
- Michele and Brian Kesseler
- Laura and Fred Marks
- Molly and Jim Perry
- Signature Bank
- The Tully Family
- Ward Contracting & Building Restoration
A Landmark Day on the Fairway for the Pope Leo XIV American Legacy Foundation
Golf carts lined the course in impressive numbers, a vivid testament to the scale of participation and enthusiasm at this year’s event. Catholic Charities reports that the 32nd annual Classic set a record, raising $783,000 for its work across Cook and Lake counties. The Catholic Charities Golf Classic has long served as a premier gathering point for civic-minded individuals and organizations across the greater Chicago region, and the 2026 edition was no exception.
For the Pope Leo XIV American Legacy Foundation team, the day offered far more than a round of golf. It was an opportunity to introduce the Pope Leo XIV American Legacy Foundation to hundreds of new friends, potential partners, and supporters — all united by a spirit of generosity and a desire to do lasting good.
The foundation’s participation in events like this reflects its commitment to building meaningful relationships within the American Catholic community and beyond. By standing alongside Catholic Charities and its extraordinary network of donors, the foundation continues to grow the coalition of people dedicated to preserving and celebrating the legacy of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope.
How Can You Support the Foundation?
We extend our deepest gratitude to every golfer, sponsor, volunteer, and Catholic Charities staff member who made the 2026 Golf Classic such a resounding success. Your generosity fuels our mission every single day.
To learn more about the foundation’s story and how you can get involved, visit our About page, or check out the latest updates for upcoming events and announcements.