The 4th Annual Gateway CEO Annual Golf Scramble was a success for so many reasons!
Last week, we featured our amazing sponsors, and their commitment to supporting Gateway CEO is so appreciated. In addition to our sponsors, 26 teams joined us this year for a beautiful fall day filled with golf, connections, learning and plenty of fun!
Students and board members were welcomed by Oak Brook Golf Club co-owner Mike Suhre and his staff, and the students quickly got to work learning the ins and outs of what it takes to host a successful tournament.
From helping with golf bags and getting carts ready, to making sure hot dogs were waiting at the turn, running competitions on the course and selling raffle tickets, everyone had a role.
One of the best parts for me was watching each student soar in their own gifts and talents — all differently. Some naturally jumped into conversations. Others thrived behind the scenes. Some loved the competition and activity on the course. That's part of what these experiences are all about — giving students opportunities to discover where they shine.
We also had a special addition this year! Mike took our students out in two groups for a behind-the-scenes tour of the course.
There is a deep family history at Oak Brook, beginning with Mike's grandfather purchasing the property and developing it into a golf course. Mike has spent much of his life on these grounds, and what Oak Brook has become today extends far beyond what his family could have imagined in those early years.
During the tour, Mike shared two things that are critical to maintaining a golf course year-round: access to water and properly maintained mowing equipment.
Oak Brook is fortunate to have its own water resources through the lakes on the property. Students also learned that groundskeeping requires several different types of mowers for different areas of the course, along with careful management and application of products used to maintain the grounds. Having trained people who understand the proper mixing and application process is essential to the health and vitality of the course.
But the tour wasn't only about golf course operations. Mike shared plenty of life lessons along the way, and our students really enjoyed having the opportunity to learn from someone who has spent a lifetime growing up in, working in and now helping lead a family business.
The day wrapped up with a wonderful lunch, awards and a chance to celebrate a successful event.
Thank you to every team that joined us, purchased raffle items, chatted with our students and supported an organization committed to investing in our next generation. One of my favorite pieces of feedback was hearing how well our students engaged in conversations throughout the day. They truly understood that while they may have been hitting the greens, they were also building relationships and practicing something we talk about all year:
Your network is your net worth.
And finally, be sure to check out some of the moments captured throughout the day by our own Claire Amos, a Highland High School senior! Also, special thank you to Becky Yager at Gateway Impressions for taking care of our Scramble tshirts. And to Board Member Anna's husband - thank you for teaming up with our students to make sure the grilling kept moving all day. To Marc and Carol for running the coordination from the Board side - outstanding job as well!
Until next year, thank you for golfing with us, supporting our students and being part of the Gateway CEO family. And thank you to Oak Brook for hosting Gateway CEO.
#GatewayCEO #GatewayCEOGolfScramble #NetworkIsYourNetWorth #FutureLeaders #Entrepreneurship #CommunitySupport
