For Chris Trimbach, participating in the Conservation Cup makes him feel as though he has hit a hole in one. He gets to enjoy a “fun day of friendly competition” on the golf course and support the work of the Forest Preserve Foundation all on the same day.

Chris, an associate managing director for the banking services firm CIBC, is now in his third year of serving on the Conservation Cup Host Committee. He joined the committee because he wanted to “continue the bank’s tradition of being involved” with the Foundation, he says.

Part of his role as a committee member is inviting those in his networks to become a Cup sponsor. Along with that comes a chance to educate them on how the funds raised by the Foundation further the mission of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. And for Chris, there's a persona perk. He gets to invite his friends and associates to be a part of his foursome.

With several months to go before the Cup, Chris is still working to put together that foursome. But one thing he does know. “It’s usually a hot ticket,” he says.

The Conservation Cup is the premier fundraiser for the Forest Preserve Foundation. Proceeds from last year's Cup allowed the Foundation to make $100,000 in grants to support the Conservation Corps program, which provides paid summer internships for youth from underserved communities that allow them to learn about and care for the environment.

View photos from the 2017 Conservation Cup.