On Thursday, September 5th, 2024, the Forest Preserve Foundation’s 13th annual Conservation Cup drew golfers and non-golfers from across Cook County to the stunning George Dunne National Golf Course in Southwest suburban Oak Forest. Guests were welcomed by blue skies, fluffy white clouds, rich green forests, shimmering lakes, and bright yellow blooms of native goldenrod in this Forest Preserve gem of a course.

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The event raised over $182,000 to care for the treasured public lands of the Forest Preserves of Cook County and support programming that nurtures the next generation of environmental leaders. This year’s Conservation Cup Committee, chaired by Julie Conenna and Anngie Richter, designed a delightful day filled with games on and off the course.

“I’m extremely grateful for the generous sponsorship and continued support for this year’s Conservation Cup. The weather was perfect, setting the stage for a day filled with laughter, great company, and an enjoyable day on the golf course,” said Julie Conenna, an avid golfer, “A big shoutout to everyone that joined us and made the day unforgettable.”

Julie Conenna and Foundation President Debra Walker Johnson
Julie Conenna and Foundation President Debra Walker Johnson
Co-chairs Julie Conenna and Anngie Richter with Foundation Board Chair Theresa Salus
Co-chairs Julie Conenna and Anngie Richter with Foundation Board Chair Theresa Salus

Co-chair, Anngie Richter, who also serves on the Foundation’s board, enjoys the Conservation Cup, even though she doesn’t golf.  “It’s great to see so many participants and volunteers coming together to support the Foundation. Restoring and safeguarding our natural resources is crucial for our communities. Creating habitats for everyone to enjoy enhances quality of life, boosts mental health, and helps combat the challenges posed by climate change.”

Event Co-Chair and Foundation board member Anngie Richter feeling the power of the air cannon.
Event Co-Chair and Foundation board member Anngie Richter feeling the power of the air cannon.

While Anngie doesn’t golf, she got a kick out of the air cannon.

The day began with check-in, games galore to play, animal ambassadors to meet along with knowledgable naturalists, and a bloody mary bar.

Development Director Erika Soria and Kristin Adams of Tallgrass Restoration and a CC24 committee member. check in Rebecca Olson of Olson Ecological Solutions.
Development Director Erika Soria and Kristin Adams of Tallgrass Restoration and a CC24 committee member. check in Rebecca Olson of Olson Ecological Solutions.
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Committee member and Board Vice Chair LeeAnn Foster-Tomas was thrilled with her new Foundation insulated tumbler that served as the perfect vessel for the Bloody Mary Bar.

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Sally Howe of Barclays and Ramon Ortega of Siebert Williams Shank connecting before the shotgun start.
Sally Howe of Barclays and Ramon Ortega of Siebert Williams Shank connecting before the shotgun start.
Board Member Kandace Lenti of Wintrust Bank at the putting contest.
Board Member Kandace Lenti of Wintrust Bank at the putting contest.
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Sand Ridge Nature Center Naturalist Lanie Rambo and Animal Ambassador Specialist Nicolette Vanderwarren shared their wealth of knowledge about animal ambassadors, a Fox Snake and Eastern Box Turtle.

Golfers gathered in their carts for the "Shotgun Program" (no shotguns involved) with President Preckwinkle, Interim General Superintendent Eileen Figel, Foundation President and Exectuive Director Debra Walker Johnson, and Indigo Sports Regional Manager.

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President Preckwinkle thanked sponsors and then visited foursomes on the course.
President Preckwinkle thanked sponsors and then visited foursomes on the course.
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Out on the course, experienced golfers mingled with novices. Though some serious competition ensued on this challenging terrain, there were also sympathetic sighs over a near miss, helpful pointers, and kind encouragement, More than anything, these foursomes were having FUN!

Kim Clifford, Andrea Fishman,  Denise Haffron, and Ankur Udani, of PwC
Kim Clifford, Andrea Fishman, Denise Haffron, and Ankur Udani, of PwC
Justin Gray, Bob Vail, Larry White, and Jon Yu of Loop Capital
Justin Gray, Bob Vail, Larry White, and Jon Yu of Loop Capital
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Lionel Gomez, Mark Lester, Kyle Naderhoff, and Beau Walker, of Fifth Third Bank foursome
Lionel Gomez, Mark Lester, Kyle Naderhoff, and Beau Walker, of Fifth Third Bank foursome
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As golfers returned from the green and dinner-only guests arrived, lively music wafted from the tented pavilion, inviting everyone to connect at a cocktail reception and dinner program.

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Conservation Corps speaker Arianna Telles and memorial donor Allison Downing connect over stories and photos.
Conservation Corps speaker Arianna Telles and memorial donor Allison Downing connect over stories and photos.
Interim General Superintendent Eileen Figel, FPCC Conservation Corps Manager, and Foundation President Debra Walker Johnson
Interim General Superintendent Eileen Figel, FPCC Conservation Corps Manager, and Foundation President Debra Walker Johnson
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Indigo/Troon Regional Director Andrew Johnson, Foundation President Debra Walker Johnson, and Indigo Regional Manager Josh Geppi
Indigo/Troon Regional Director Andrew Johnson, Foundation President Debra Walker Johnson, and Indigo Regional Manager Josh Geppi

Some happy Buckets of Fun Winners!

Alice Brandon is looking forward to her Wines for Humanity wine tasting with friends.
Alice Brandon is looking forward to her Wines for Humanity wine tasting with friends.
Conservation Corps speaker Arianna Telles was thrilled to receive the voucher for camping at the Forest Preserves of Cook County from donor Allison Downing.
Conservation Corps speaker Arianna Telles was thrilled to receive the voucher for camping at the Forest Preserves of Cook County from donor Allison Downing.
Frankie Savoy won a Cubs Mike Tauchman autographed baseball.
Frankie Savoy won a Cubs Mike Tauchman autographed baseball.
Loraine Edwalds, her wife Ruth Clark, and memorial donor Allison Downing each won a Buckets of Fun raffle prize. Allison gifted her win to Conservation Corps speaker Arianna Telles.
Loraine Edwalds, her wife Ruth Clark, and memorial donor Allison Downing each won a Buckets of Fun raffle prize. Allison gifted her win to Conservation Corps speaker Arianna Telles.

“I was truly inspired by the huge impact the Foundation provides to meaningful youth programs, such as the Conservation Corps.” – Julie Conenna

Co-chairs Julie Conenna and Angie Richter
Co-chairs Julie Conenna and Angie Richter

“I especially enjoy hearing from our program participants and hearing their passion for habitat restoration and conservation.” – Anngie Richter

The evening program offered the opportunity for guests to learn more about how their support helps the Preserves and people thrive. After Foundation President Debra Walker Johnson and Board Chair Theresa Salus expressed their gratitude and spoke about the Foundation, Alice Brandon, Conservation Corps Manager at the Forest Preserves of Cook County shared her enthusiasm and knowledge about restoration at the Preserves.

Alice then introduced Arianna Telles, Conservation Corps Gap Year participant and Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps Assistant Crew Leader. Arianna told the story of a little girl who once wandered in the woods and now, grown, is learning to restore the forests so dear to her. This story, her story, filled the tent with wonder and passion.

Watch her speech HERE.

Arianna Telles video at https://youtu.be/aJ1gBM4fxS4

"We are truly grateful for supporters who made this success possible. You provide the resources needed to restore the preserves to full health and foster the next generation of environmental advocates and young leaders. By investing in programs and opportunities that are proactively inclusive and reflective of the diversity of Cook County, together we support both preserves and people in our communities." - Debra Walker Johnson

The Foundation looks forward to seeing everyone again next year!

Thursday, September 4, 2025

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