Catholic Charities will host its 11th Annual Golf Invitational benefiting Catholic Charities' Family Services Programs on Wednesday, July 23, 2008. The event is being co-chaired by Jim Ryan, of Ryan & Ryan, and Sean Spellman, of Northern Builders.

“Being a part of this event is great because of the reward that comes from knowing you helped families in need. Spending the day golfing with friends is an added bonus,” said Ryan.

This year, golfers will have the opportunity to play golf at Cog Hill on the Ravines and Courses 1 & 3. Because of Dubsdread’s closing for renovation in 2008, golfers will also have the opportunity to play at Ruffled Feathers, the club that is home to Pete Dye’s superbly crafted course. A select group of approximately 550 accomplished golfers is expected to be in attendance for the 2008 Invitational. The day will also include breakfast, lunch and dinner along with silent and live auctions, and a raffle featuring valuable prizes.

The 11th Annual Golf Invitational supports Catholic Charities’ Family Services Programs. Last year, Catholic Charities served over 148,000 families through these programs. We are honored to bestow the Michael R. Sheahan Founder’s Award to Happy Products, who has been a wonderful support to the Golf Invitational since 2004. If you would like to receive more information regarding the Catholic Charities Golf Invitational, please contact Melissa Michaels at (312) 948-6797 or by email at: mmichael@catholiccharities.net or visit www.catholiccharities.net/golf

Now in its 90th year, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is the largest private, not-for-profit social service agency in the Midwest, annually assisting 1.1 million persons in Cook and Lake counties without regard to religious, ethnic or economic background. Catholic Charities fulfills the Church's role in the mission of charity by providing compassionate, competent, professional services that strengthen and support individuals, families and communities