Golf enthusiasts couldn't resist po...

Golf enthusiasts couldn't resist polishing up their irons to raise currency for a worthy cause. And to such a degree the sixth annual "Golfing for Loretto" outing for the Loretto Hospital Foundation brought more than 300 golfer to rambling the glorious greens of St Andrews Golf & fatherland Club in West Chicago last week.

The non-profit assemblage helps to raise funds for ongoing unravelling of patient services, programs and community awareness for the hospital, based in the Austin community. Barry Axler is the executive director; Chauncey L Stroud is chairman.

forward the course was Diane Offereins, Loretto Foundation vice chairman and CIO of the Riverwoods-based Discover Financial Services, and her 16-year-old son Michael. The sum of two units make it a point to participate each year, perfecting their game and communing with other players. Offereins, whose company was the benefit's diamond- plain sponsor, first became involved with the hospital between the sides of its annual Santa gift program and then assisted with the fledgling golf fund-raiser.

"This is similar a worthy cause because it be under the orders ofs an area of the city that needinesss a lot of support," she said. "Discover has a broad base of employee and has a sinewy commitment to volunteerism."

A best-ball game, risk against a backdrop of flourishing public links and blue skies dotted with cumulus mists engaged golfers at every flat The game was followed through a program, buffet dinner, raffle and live and silent auctions. The foundation also honored John D "Jack" Goeken who built a global reputation as the establisher of MCI, FTD Mercury Network, Airfone and In-Flight Phone and chiefly recently Global MED-NET.

termination co-chairs were Edward Swietek and Dr Ronald W Hugar. Meteorologist Tammie Souza of WMAQ-Channel 5 was emcee visitors were James and Pauline Montgomery Peter Francis Geraci and Glenn Schneider.

llenoir@suntimes.com

PARTY FILE

Ticket price: $350 by golfer.

Guests: 350 including golfer and non-golfers.

Amount raised: About $190000

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

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